NEW JERSEY — In a major step toward modernizing its rail system, NJ Transit has approved the purchase of 200 additional multilevel rail cars from Alstom Transportation Inc. under a $1.055 billion contract, the agency announced on Sept. 9.
The purchase, authorized by the NJ Transit Board of Directors in May 2025, aims to replace outdated single-level cars, increase seating capacity, and enhance safety and service reliability.
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Governor Phil Murphy said the investment will “improve the commuting experience, strengthen the economy, reduce emissions, and move toward a more sustainable future.”
NJ Transit President & CEO Kris Kolluri added that the upgrade is vital for “delivering a fully modernized rail fleet” to better serve riders.
Key Details of the Upgrade
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200 new Multilevel III rail cars ordered, bringing total new cars since 2018 to 374
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Replacement of Comet II, IV, and V single-level cars
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Benefits include better reliability, increased seating, ADA accessibility, USB charging ports, and higher speeds up to 110 mph
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Option to purchase 50 additional cars under the same contract
In a separate move, the board also approved buying 12 more ALP-45A dual-powered locomotives from Alstom for $203.9 million. These locomotives can operate on both electrified and non-electrified lines, replacing older diesel models to improve performance and reduce emissions.
NJ Transit expects these upgrades to play a key role in achieving a fully modernized rail fleet in the coming years.
