METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

N.J. Transit unveils first multi-level railcar

The railcar, manufactured by Bombardier Transportation, is part of a 231-vehicle order, with each car costing an average of $1.9 million.

September 15, 2005
1 min to read


New Jersey Transit (NJT) unveiled the first of 231 new multi-level railcars Wednesday at Newark's Penn Station. The railcar, manufactured by Bombardier Transportation, is one of seven prototype coaches, which will be tested by NJT in Pueblo, Colo. In July, NJT's board of directors authorized the addition of 131 railcars to its initial 100-car order. The average cost per car is $1.9 million. Each multi-level car offers 15% to 20% more seating capacity than single-level coaches. Production cars, which will ultimately be used in revenue service, will only be mass-produced after extensive testing of the prototype advances. Each car features state-of-the-art heating, cooling and ventilation systems, as well as high-tech automated public address systems and LED destination screens to keep passengers updated. In addition, the multi-level cars feature external public address speakers, enabling conductors to make announcements to customers on the platform. NJT expects to place the new railcars into revenue service in late 2006.

Topics:Rail

More Rail

A fleet of Caltrain electrified trains on tracks
Railby StaffApril 3, 2026

Funding Gap Could Force Caltrain to Slash Service, Close Stations

The Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board recently met for a budget workshop, during which staff outlined the significant service reductions Caltrain could be forced to make without new external funding. 

Read More →
SEPTA's Exo railcars
Railby StaffApril 2, 2026

SEPTA Purchases Montreal Coach Cars to Bolster Regional Rail Fleet

Funding for the purchase of the railcars comes from the nearly $220 million in additional capital dollars Gov. Josh Shapiro allocated in November 2025 to support urgent safety upgrades and infrastructure improvements.

Read More →
The South Shore Line with Passengers
Railby StaffApril 1, 2026

South Shore Line Extension Debuts, Boosting Rail Access in Northwest Indiana

The $945 million project connects four new stations and expands regional mobility.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A rendering of a California High-Speed Rail vehicle
Railby StaffApril 1, 2026

High-Speed Rail May Boost Brain Health, New Study Finds

Research ties rail access to lower depression, better cognition and improved air quality.

Read More →
An MBTA commuter rail at a station.
Railby StaffMarch 31, 2026

Massachusetts Announces Summer Savings for Commuter Rail Riders

With major events and increased travel expected across the state this summer, the Administration is focused on making sure people have a reliable, affordable alternative to driving so we can reduce congestion, support daily commuters, and keep Massachusetts moving.

Read More →
A Sound Transit Crosslake Connection Link light rail vehicle
Railby StaffMarch 30, 2026

Sound Transit Opens Crosslake Connection, Completing Link 2 Line

The final seven-mile segment of the 2 Line includes new stations at Mercer Island and Judkins Park and connects to the 1 Line at the International District/Chinatown Station. The Link light rail system now spans 63 miles and includes 50 stations.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SEPTA M vehicle on bridge
Railby StaffMarch 30, 2026

SEPTA Set to Begin Major Rehabilitation Project Along M Line

From March 29 through May 9, shuttle buses will replace train service between Bridgeport Station and Norristown Transit Center. Train service will operate as normal between Bridgeport Station and 69th Street Transit Center.

Read More →
Supervisor and LA Metro Board Member Lindsey P. Horvath stands at a podium with a crowd of community members behind her.
Railby Staff and News ReportsMarch 27, 2026

LA Metro Board Advances K Line Northern Extension Through Fairfax and West Hollywood

The project will create the first continuous north-south rail line in the LA basin, connecting major job centers, transit lines, and communities.

Read More →
Nadine S. Lee
Managementby StaffMarch 26, 2026

DART's President/CEO Announces Departure from Agency

Nadine S. Lee, who has served as president/CEO since July 2021, said the decision comes after careful reflection on the agency’s progress and its path forward.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A Houston automated people mover manufactured by Alstom.
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsMarch 26, 2026

Biz Briefs: Alstom in Houston, DATTCO Makes Acquisition, and More

In this edition of Biz Briefs, we highlight the latest developments shaping the future of mobility — from manufacturers and technology providers to transit agencies and motorcoach service operators.

Read More →