Bombardier to supply new generation of passenger rail cars for New Jersey

Bombardier Transportation has signed a contract for 113 Multilevel III commuter rail cars with the New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJ TRANSIT).

The contract is valued at $669 million and includes options for up to 886 additional cars.

This is Bombardier’s third contract with NJ TRANSIT for this car: Under contracts awarded in 2002 and 2010, Bombardier provided 429 Multilevel I and II cars, which are now in successful operation at NJ TRANSIT.

“We are privileged to have been a partner with NJ TRANSIT since 1980 and are pleased to have this opportunity to continue to work together as NJ TRANSIT embarks on its initiative to improve the customer experience,” said Elliot Sander, President, Americas Region, Bombardier Transportation.

The new features on the Multilevel III cars include colour infotainment screens that display real-time information about stations and connections, USB charging ports, an on-board video surveillance system for increased security, wider vestibules for improved wheelchair accessibility, new bicycle racks, an intelligent LED lighting system with automatic brightness control, and motorised restroom doors for easier access. The cars will be equipped with Positive Train Control equipment for increased passenger safety.

Pierre-Yves Cohen, President at Bombardier Transportation, added: “We are confident that our new Multilevel III cars, with their enhanced technical features and passenger amenities, will provide exceptional service and meet passengers’ evolving expectations. This contract will consist of cab cars, trailer cars, restroom-equipped trailer cars and new power cars that can replace locomotives and create self-propelled trains, providing NJ TRANSIT with increased operational flexibility. Additionally, the Multilevel III cars will be fully compatible and interoperable with the Multilevel I and II cars.”

Over the years, Bombardier has provided NJ TRANSIT with hundreds of single-level commuter coaches and Multilevel cars, BOMBARDIER ALP-46 and ALP-46A electric locomotives, and ALP-45DP dual-power locomotives.