NJ TRANSIT Advances Fleet Modernization and Prepares for World Cup

4/22/2026

NJ TRANSIT is accelerating a $3‑billion‑dollar modernization of its vehicle fleet while advancing regional planning efforts for the 2026 World Cup. The agency’s efforts focus on reliability, capacity, customer experience, and large‑scale event readiness. At an event in Kearny, NJ, state and federal officials joined NJ TRANSIT leadership to mark the arrival of the first Multilevel III rail car, the initial delivery in a 374‑car order, and other vehicles that are part of the agency’s long‑term fleet renewal strategy. These include:

  • Multilevel Rail Cars: The next‑generation railcars will undergo several months of testing and commissioning, with up to 40 vehicles expected to enter passenger service later this year. Multilevel III cars are designed to significantly improve system reliability. They will replace rail cars built in the 1970s and can operate 10 times longer before mechanical failures. They have higher operating speeds, increased seating capacity, and enhanced accessibility, among other modern upgrades. Manufactured by Alstom in Plattsburgh, NY, the multilevel power cars can operate independently or as longer trainsets, providing faster acceleration and greater operational flexibility.
  • Buses and Paratransit: In addition to the new rail equipment, the agency is introducing new 40‑foot buses with enhanced safety technologies such as cameras and turn‑warning systems. New Access Link paratransit vehicles have been designed for faster boarding and improved accessibility.
  • Public Safety: The agency displayed a new 45‑foot mobile police command center equipped with workstations, communications systems, perimeter cameras, and onboard power generation. The vehicle is designed to serve as a centralized command hub during critical incidents and planned events.
  • Light Rail: Earlier this year, NJ TRANSIT introduced the first fully renovated River LINE light rail vehicle. The agency plans to rehabilitate 14 River LINE vehicles in the coming years as part of ongoing efforts to improve reliability and customer experience.

World Cup Regional Mobility Plan

NJ TRANSIT plays a central role in moving the more than 78,000 spectators to and from the eight World Cup matches being hosted at MetLife Stadium. While the cost of a train ticket to attend the games has made headlines, the Regional Mobility Plan outlines a coordinated approach to prioritize safety, public communication, and continuity of service for everyday riders. The agency has launched a website with information for both visitors and daily commuters on how to plan for and what to expect on match days.