NJ TRANSIT Bolsters Safety and Reliability with New Alstom Rail Cars

NJ TRANSIT unveiled its next-generation multilevel Alstom rail cars at the agency’s Meadows Maintenance Complex in Kearny recently. The new cars, manufactured in Plattsburgh, NY, will offer a range of benefits over the 40+ year-old single-level cars they will replace.

“NJ TRANSIT is committed to improving every aspect of the customer journey, and the 174 new multilevel rail cars will achieve that through vastly improving reliability, increasing capacity, and enhancing the onboard experience,” said Kevin S. Corbett, president and CEO. “NJ TRANSIT is grateful to Governor Murphy and our partners at the Federal Transit Administration for delivering the necessary funding to ensure our system continues to meet the growing demands of our region, and the expectations of our customers.”

“Providing modern, reliable equipment is a critical component to improving New Jersey’s infrastructure, particularly with regard to public transit,” said Gov. Phil Murphy. “These multilevel rail cars are equipped with innovative features that meet the everyday needs of our commuters. Upon their completion, these upgraded rail cars will expand access to reliable and comfortable transportation for NJ TRANSIT riders.”

Gov. Murphy and Corbett highlighted many of the new car’s amenities at the unveiling, including USB charging ports, onboard information displays, additional bike racks, and increased seating capacity The vehicle’s maximum speed will be 110 mph.

“These 174 new multilevel rail cars being unveiled today will enhance the experience for NJ TRANSIT riders by increasing capacity, utilizing cutting-edge technology, and ensuring the safety and reliability of New Jersey’s transportation system,” said Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ). “This investment to modernize our transit system along the busiest rail corridor in the country will encourage more New Jerseyans to opt for public transit over driving, resulting in reduced congestion and lower emissions across our state.”

The Multilevel III Power Cars are Electric Multiple Units, meaning they are self-propelled and do not require a separate locomotive. Electric motors are incorporated within one or a number of the vehicles on the train. They are the first of their kind in North America.

“Alstom is proud to help meet the vision and leadership of Governor Murphy and NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin Corbett to provide transit users in New Jersey with a more modern and comfortable ride,” said David Van der Wee, Alstom vice president, head of rolling stock. “Innovative new trains with 21^st century amenities will give commuters, students, sports fans, every kind of NJ TRANSIT customer, the high-quality experience they have been demanding and deserve. Our employees in Upstate New York couldn’t be prouder to deliver these new trains.”

In December of 2018, the NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors approved a rail rolling stock vehicle procurement award to Bombardier Transit Corporation (now Alstom Transportation Inc.) for 113 Multilevel III rail vehicles to replace the single-level, self-propelled Arrow III vehicles manufactured more than 40 years ago. In February 2022, the board approved the purchase of an additional 25 Multilevel III vehicles and, in July 2024, approved the purchase of an additional 36, bringing the total number of new cars to 174 since 2018.