NJ Transit’s Multilevel III cars move toward service

Multilevel III railcars for NJ Transit are beginning to reach New Jersey. The first car delivered by Alstom will undergo final testing and commissioning there. Up to 40 additional units are expected to enter passenger service later this year.

Multilevel III railcars for NJ Transit

As Alstom noted, the delivery marks a major step in the modernization of New Jersey’s rail transit system. The system is one of the largest rail networks in the United States. The delivery is part of a wider order for 374 new-generation trains. The fleet is described as larger, more reliable and more comfortable.

These double-decker commuter rail cars are intended to replace single-level vehicles. Those older cars have been in service for more than 40 years. Also, the new cars are expected to offer more seating, improved comfort and faster travel times.

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As NJ Transit noted, the Multilevel III vehicles can operate at up to 110 mph (180 km/h). That makes them up to 30 mph (50 km/h) faster than the previous fleet. The higher speed is intended to improve schedule reliability. It is also meant to help meet growing passenger demand. In addition, the cars include USB charging ports in every row. They also feature audio announcements and digital displays showing upcoming station stops.

Motor cars and locomotive-free electric train operation

The first vehicle delivered to the Meadows Maintenance Complex is a motor car. The site is in Kearny, New Jersey. Alstom developed it together with NJ Transit to enable locomotive-free operation. Meanwhile, these powered cars use electric propulsion and provide seating for more than 100 passengers.

They will operate with additional motor cars, trailer cars and control cars. Together, they will form multiple units of electric trains. The configuration is expected to deliver faster acceleration, improve travel times and provide built-in redundancy. At the same time, that flexibility is meant to address passenger volumes, service changes and special events.

Order mix and Buy America requirements

Over the past seven years, NJ Transit has placed several Multilevel III orders with Alstom. The agency is described as the third-largest in the United States. Its order covers 112 powered cars, 100 control cars and 162 trailer cars. The control cars are fitted with driver’s cabs from which the engineer can control the train.

Separately, the fleet meets “Buy America” requirements. At least 70% of its components are manufactured in the United States, as Alstom noted. The vehicles are assembled in Plattsburgh, New York, by Alstom’s unionized and specialized workforce.

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