Alstom has delivered the first Multilevel III railcar for commuter service to NJ Transit, marking a major step in the modernization of New Jersey’s rail transit system, one of the largest rail networks in the U.S.
The Multilevel III railcar will undergo several months of final testing and commissioning procedures in New Jersey before being followed by up to 40 additional units, which are expected to enter passenger service later this year.
The delivery is part of an order for 374 new-generation trains—larger, more reliable, and more comfortable—for one of the country’s busiest commuter rail systems. The new double-decker cars will replace the old single-level cars, which have been in service for over 40 years, transforming the passenger experience with more seating, improved comfort, and faster travel times.
These vehicles are capable of traveling at 110 mph (180 km/h), making them up to 30 mph (50 km/h) faster than the previous fleet. This increase in speed allows NJ Transit to improve schedule reliability and meet the growing demand from passengers. In addition, the Multilevel III cars feature amenities such as USB charging ports in every row, as well as audio announcements and digital signs that inform passengers of upcoming station stops.
Multilevel III railcars, built in the U.S.
The first Multilevel III car delivered to the Meadows Maintenance Complex in Kearny, New Jersey, is a motor car, developed by Alstom in close partnership with NJ Transit to enable locomotive-free operation. The motor cars feature electric propulsion and over 100 passenger seats.
The new cars will be combined with other motor cars, trailer cars, and control cars to form multiple units of electric trains that will accelerate faster, thereby improving travel times while providing built-in redundancy. The flexible design will allow the agency to adjust train lengths to accommodate passenger volume for service changes and special events.
NJ Transit has ordered Multilevel III cars from Alstom in multiple phases over the past seven years. The transit agency—the third-largest in the United States—has contracted for 112 powered cars, 100 control cars (equipped with driver’s cabs from which the engineer can control the train), and 162 trailer cars.
These vehicles meet “Buy America” requirements, with at least 70% of their components manufactured in the United States, and are assembled in Plattsburgh, New York, by Alstom’s unionized and specialized workforce.
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