NJ TRANSIT Enhances Fleet with 36 New Multilevel Rail Cars

New Rail Cars Feature Additional Seating Capacity and Customer Amenities.Photo byMorristown Minute

The latest purchase enhances seating capacity and introduces advanced customer amenities, as NJ TRANSIT continues to update its fleet.

MORRISTOWN, N.J. - NJ TRANSIT's Board of Directors approved the acquisition of 36 new Multilevel III rail cars on July 24, 2024, marking another significant step in the agency's ongoing fleet modernization efforts. This $170 million investment aims to replace the aging single-level cars with more efficient and passenger-friendly options.

“This significant investment brings the total of new multilevel rail cars we’ve purchased since 2018 to 174,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett. “These new cars will substantially reduce the overall age of the rail fleet, improving reliability, capacity and customer comfort.”

These new Multilevel III cars are designed to enhance the travel experience by increasing maximum speeds to 110 miles per hour and incorporating cutting-edge technology that complies with the latest federal safety regulations, including Positive Train Control. The cars also feature customer-centric amenities such as USB charging ports and dynamic onboard information displays.

A key feature of the Multilevel III Power Cars is their Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) design, which integrates electric motors directly into the cars, eliminating the need for a separate locomotive. This design not only improves the mechanical reliability of the trains but also contributes to a smoother and quieter ride.

The funding for this purchase is an extension of a previous contract with Alstom Transportation, leveraging options that allow for cost control and project continuity. This decision builds on earlier initiatives, starting in December 2018 when NJ TRANSIT first contracted with Bombardier Transit Corporation (now part of Alstom) to replace outdated rail vehicles.

NJ TRANSIT has already placed orders for 138 new Multilevel III vehicles, with the initial batch expected to arrive in New Jersey later this year for testing. This continuous upgrade not only reflects NJ TRANSIT's commitment to improving commuter services but also supports broader objectives such as increased transportation efficiency and enhanced passenger satisfaction across the state’s rail system.

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