The New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) board of directors approved the purchase of nine additional electric locomotives - for a total order of 36 - as well as the purchase and installation of 175 bus shelters.

"The new electric locomotives are a cost-effective way of enabling NJ Transit to modernize its fleet and meet growing ridership needs," said Stephen Dilts, transportation commissioner and NJ Transit board chairman.

In December 2007, the board authorized a $245 million contract with Bombardier Transit Corp. for the purchase of 27 ALP-46A electric locomotives, including spare parts, with the option to purchase additional locomotives down the road.

The board's decision enables the agency to purchase an additional nine ALP-46A electric locomotives and spare parts for $72 million.

Meanwhile, the board also authorized a $1.1 million contract with Handi-Hut Inc. for the purchase and installation of new shelters throughout the state over a three-year period. The contract includes construction of the shelters, concrete pads and incidental items, including bollards, retaining walls, curbs and curb cuts where needed.

As part of its Bus Stops and Shelters Program, NJ Transit supplies shelters at no cost to the communities that request them, provided they agree to accept responsibility for maintenance and liability. Since the program's 1981 inception, NJ Transit has provided more than 2,500 bus shelters.