Alstom has delivered the first Multilevel III railcar to NJ TRANSIT, starting a 374-wagon fleet renewal programme for the US operator.
The order covers 112 power cars, 100 cab cars and 162 trailer cars. The double-deck fleet is being built at Alstom’s Plattsburgh, New York, facility in compliance with Buy America requirements, with at least 70% US content.
The Multilevel III vehicles are designed for operation at up to 110 mph (177 km/h), up to 30 mph faster than the single-level cars they replace. The new fleet will succeed Arrow III and Comet II and IV coaches that have been in service for more than 40 years.
The first delivered vehicle is a power car equipped with electric traction and more than 100 seats. Power cars can operate without a locomotive and will be combined with trailer and cab cars to form electric multiple-unit (EMU) trainsets. According to the manufacturer, the configuration provides faster acceleration and operational redundancy, while allowing flexible train formations based on demand.
The vehicles include USB charging ports at each seating row, audio announcements and digital passenger information displays. NJ TRANSIT plans to complete renewal of its rail fleet by 2031.
