The NJ TRANSIT board approved the purchase of 25 additional Multilevel III railcars. The purchase exercises options on the original December 2018 contract with Alstom for the purchase of 113 new Multilevel III railcars.

The additional 25 cars in this action are funded as part of the Portal North Bridge project, which will increase peak-hour peak-direction customer capacity.

“These new rail cars are a critical component of the Portal North Bridge project, which will allow us to meet our established goals for increased capacity,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett. “Equally important are the benefits they will offer customers through improved reliability, comfort, and onboard amenities, including USB charging ports and state-of-the-art video infotainment systems.”

The 25 additional cars will include five multilevel cab cars, 17 multilevel trailer cars, and three multilevel trailer cars with restrooms.

Multilevel III cars will offer a range of benefits over the older single level cars they will replace. The vehicle maximum speed will increase to 110 miles per hour. The cars will be compliant with the latest federal regulations, including Positive Train Control. Other customer amenities will include USB charging ports for customers, and new onboard information displays.

In support of the capacity increases as part of the Portal North Bridge project, the 25 new cars will be added to nine existing multilevel peak hour trains. Ordering these additional multilevel vehicles now minimizes the risk of delays from potential future supply chain issues, allowing for continuity of production.