During an Oct. 30 event in Kearny, officials showcased the next generation of NJ Transit rail cars.

The new Multilevel III cars will enter service beginning in the middle of 2025. Manufactured by Alstom Transportation in Plattsburgh, N.Y., 174 of these state-of-the-art rail carriages will join the NJ Transit fleet in total.

The additions will significantly improve reliability, capacity and comfort over the 40-plus-year-old single level cars they will replace. Key Multilevel III car features include:

• Compliant with the latest federal regulations, including Positive Train Control;
• First-of-its-kind in North America Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) – self-propelled and don’t require a separate locomotive;
• Includes USB charging ports and onboard information displays.

Gov. Phil Murphy was among the dignitaries on hand to check out the first of the new cars.

“Providing modern, reliable equipment is a critical component to improving New Jersey’s infrastructure, particularly with regard to public transit,” said Murphy at NJ Transit’s Meadows Maintenance Complex in Kearny. “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.”

‘A more modern and comfortable ride’

“NJ Transit is committed to improving every aspect of the customer journey, and the 174 new multilevel rail cars will help achieve that by significantly improving reliability, increasing capacity, and enhancing the onboard experience,” said NJ Transit President and CEO Kevin Corbett. “NJ Transit is grateful to Gov. Murphy, the New Jersey Legislature, and our partners at the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for delivering the necessary funding to ensure our system continues to meet the growing demands of our region, and the expectations of our customers.”

“The FTA is proud to support NJ Transit as it introduces 174 new multi-level railcars into service,” said FTA Regional Administrator Michael Culotta. “The new fleet, supported by $567.5 million in federal funds, includes state-of-the-art technologies providing improved accessibility, safety and efficiency, which will leave an indelible mark on riders and align seamlessly with the goals of the FTA and the Biden-Harris administration.”

Alstom Vice President and Head of Rolling Stock David Van der Wee said his employees in Upstate New York couldn’t be happier to deliver these new trains.

“Alstom is proud to help meet the vision and leadership of Gov. Murphy and NJ Transit President and CEO Kevin Corbett to provide transit users in New Jersey with a more modern and comfortable ride,” said Van der Wee. “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.”

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