NJ TRANSIT’s efforts to replace the windows on all its multilevel rail cars in revenue service are speeding up. A plan was recently announced by NJ TRANSIT President and CEO Kris Kolluri which includes completing the installation on one-third of the fleet each year over the next three years.

“Improving the customer experience continues to be a priority for NJ TRANSIT,” said NJDOT Commissioner & NJ TRANSIT Board Chair Fran O’Connor. “Accelerating the replacement of these windows is part of our commitment to putting our customers first.”

Reason for Replacing the Windows

Over time, exposure to elements has damaged the polycarbonate windows and caused a cloudy appearance. These issues have been experienced on other railroads with the windows on their railcars.

Through a partnership with Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation, NJ TRANSIT evaluated the current condition of its multilevel rail car windows to determine if the damage could be reversed. The decision to replace them was made after it was determined that refurbishing the windows wasn’t a viable option.

“NJ TRANSIT understands how the cloudy train windows on our multilevel rail cars impacts our customers’ travel experience,” Kolluri said. “Accelerating the timeline for these window replacements reflects NJ TRANSIT’s commitment to continually find ways to improve the customer experience along every aspect of the journey.” 

Timeline for Project Completion

The replacement of the windows has already begun. Under the new timeline, all of the replacement materials have been ordered to assure that NJ TRANSIT will have the necessary supplies on hand to complete installation on the entire fleet of multilevel II rail cars in revenue service by December 31, 2025.

Replacement of windows on the entire fleet of nearly 400 multilevel I and multilevel II rail cars in service will be completed by April 2028. More than 13,000 windows will be replaced during this process.