The NJ TRANSIT board of directors approved a contract with Bombardier for 113 new railcars, which includes the first self-propelled multilevel railcars in the U.S.

The order for 113 Multilevel III passenger vehicles, the largest order for railcars in recent years by NJ TRANSIT, will allow the agency to replace the oldest railcars in its fleet. The cost for the contract will not exceed $670 million plus contingencies.

The purchase, which consists of 58 "power cars" with electric propulsion capability and 55 non-powered trailer cars, was approved as part of the Fiscal Year 2018 budget. A Request for Proposals (RFP) went out in October 2017.

The Multilevel III Power Cars are Electric Multiple Units (EMU’s), a multiple-unit train consisting of self-propelled cars using electricity as the motive power. An EMU requires no separate locomotive, as electric traction motors are incorporated within one or a number of the vehicles on the train.

The vehicles are scheduled to begin testing in the third quarter of 2022 and are expected to enter revenue service during the second quarter of 2023.

The Multilevel III Passenger Vehicles will replace the aging Arrow III EMUs, which are over 40 years old. 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. Other customer amenities include USB charging ports for customers and new, onboard information displays.

The base order is for 58 multilevel power cars, 33 cab cars, 16 trailer cars, and six trailer cars with restrooms. There are also options for an additional 636 cars to replace the remaining single-level cars and accommodate future growth

The purchase is allowing NJ TRANSIT to take a step toward the goal of having the overall average age of all rail vehicles under 30 years old, making for a more modern fleet that supports enhanced comfort, reliability, and efficiency.