As part of its ongoing effort to modernize its rail fleet, enhance service reliability and improve the customer experience, NJ Transit said Sept. 9 it has exercised a contract option with Alstom Transportation Inc. for the purchase of 200 additional multilevel rail cars. The cars will be built by Alstom and cost about $1.055 billion.
The purchase was authorized by the NJ Transit Board of Directors in May 2025. These modern rail cars will replace aging, less reliable single-level rail cars, standardize the fleet and increase seating capacity and safety.
“By replacing outdated rail cars with state-of-the-art equipment, we’re not only improving the commuting experience for millions of riders, but also strengthening our economy, reducing emissions, and moving toward a more sustainable future,” said Gov. Phil Murphy.
“Service reliability and safety is one of my highest priorities, and having a fully modernized rail fleet is one of the most critical ways to deliver on that commitment for our customers,” said NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri.
The NJ Transit president said the purchase of 200 new multilevel rail cars brings the total of new rail cars ordered since 2018 to 374. He anticipates NJ Transit will achieve a fully modernized fleet by 203.
The new multilevel III rail cars will replace NJ Transit’s aging Comet II, IV and V single-level cars. Benefits include increased mechanical reliability, additional seating capacity and accessibility, higher top speeds of up to 110 m.p.h., safety and enhanced onboard amenities for customers including USB charging ports.
The contract with Alston has a remaining option for 50 more multilevel III rail cars, which may be purchased at a later date.
In a separate authorization by the board of directors in May, NJ Transit exercised an option under a different contract with Alstom to procure 12 additional ALP-45A dual-powered locomotives, capable of operating across both electrified and non-electrified rail lines. The locomotives will replace older, less efficient diesel models and will enhance service reliability and reduce emissions.
This locomotive procurement continues NJ Transit’s strategic fleet modernization plan, which has expanded the ALP-45 fleet since 2008. The NJ Transit Board of Directors approved the option for these 12 locomotives from Alstom at a cost not to exceed $203,926,264.96, plus 10% for contingencies.
