NJ Transit Getting More Double Level Rail Cars

Photo Credit:  NJ Transit 

NJ TRANSIT BOARD APPROVES PURCHASE OF ADDITIONAL MULTILEVEL RAIL CARS

25 Multilevel III Cars Increase Capacity in Support of the Portal North Bridge Project; Improve Reliability; Enhance the Customer Experience                                                                                               

NEWARK, NJ — The NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors has approved the purchase of 25 additional Multilevel III rail cars. The purchase exercises options on the original December 2018 contract with Alstom for the purchase of 113 new Multilevel III rail cars.  The additional 25 cars in this action are funded as part of the Portal North Bridge project which will increase peak-hour peak-direction customer capacity.

“Early in our Administration, it became clear that NJ TRANSIT was in desperate need of new and refreshed rail equipment,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “The purchase of these rail cars reflects the commitment that we made to New Jersey commuters and is one of many steps that we are taking to provide NJ TRANSIT customers with an improved and more reliable experience on the rails. These cars will also be an important element of the new Portal North Bridge, enabling NJ TRANSIT to utilize the bridge to its fullest potential.” 

“These new rail cars are a critical component of the Portal North Bridge project, which will allow us to meet our established goals for increased capacity,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett. “Equally important are the benefits they will offer customers through improved reliability, comfort, and onboard amenities, including USB charging ports and state-of-the-art video infotainment systems.”   

The 25 additional cars will include five multilevel cab cars, 17 multilevel trailer cars, and three multilevel trailer cars with restrooms. 

Multilevel III cars will offer a range of benefits over the older single level cars they will replace. The vehicle maximum speed will increase to 110 miles per hour. The cars will be compliant with the latest federal regulations, including Positive Train Control. Other customer amenities will include USB charging ports for customers and new, onboard information displays. 

In support of the capacity increases as part of the Portal North Bridge project, the 25 new cars will be added to nine existing multilevel peak hour trains. Ordering these additional multilevel vehicles now minimizes the risk of delays from potential future supply chain issues, allowing for continuity of production. The Portal North Bridge project is funded, in part, by a $766.5M Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Core Capacity Grant.

Facts About New Multilevel III Rail Cars

The Multilevel III vehicles will include a new type of car called a power car, which will replace older vehicles in the fleet and three types of vehicles NJ TRANSIT already runs in service (cab cars, trailer cars, and trailer cars with restrooms.) The Multilevel III power cars, which will replace the 40+ year old Arrow III single-level cars, are Electric Multiple Units (EMU’s), a multiple-unit train consisting of self-propelled cars using electricity as power. An EMU requires no separate locomotive, as electric traction motors are incorporated within one or more of the vehicles on the train.  The new cars increase seating capacity from 1,380 seats on a 12-car Arrow III train to 1,552 seats on a new 12-car Multilevel III train. The new cars will feature roomier two-by-two seating as opposed to the three-person bench seats that are currently on the Arrow III cars.