Listen to this articleNJ Transit took the latest step in its fleet modernization program. On Nov. 12, the board of directors authorized $917 million to overhaul the existing fleet of 429 multilevel rail cars.
This project targets the agency’s Multilevel I and II cars, many of which are nearing 20 years in service. The carriages require a mid-life overhaul to maintain reliability, improve passenger amenities and ensure compatibility with the new Multilevel III fleet currently being procured.
“As I’ve committed to the governor, modernizing our fleet isn’t just about adding new vehicles – it’s also about keeping our current ones in a state of good repair for the people who ride them every day,” said NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri. “This overhaul is part of our broader effort to fully modernize NJ Transit’s rail and bus fleets by 2031, ensuring safe, reliable, and modern service for our customers systemwide.”
Key aspects of this authorization include:
- Covers overhauls for 329 Multilevel I cars delivered between 2006–2009 and 100 Multilevel II cars delivered between 2012–2013
- Funding is not to exceed $917 million plus a 10% contingency
- NJ Transit will launch an Expression of Interest (EOI) to select a contractor. The process will identify firms with proven experience in large-scale commuter rail mid-life overhauls
- Agency will then shortlist qualified contractors for the final procurement phase
Planned overhaul work includes:
- Ensuring cars are in a state of good repair and updated for compatibility with future Multilevel III vehicles
- Upgraded passenger amenities, such as USB charging ports to match the new fleet
- Energy-efficient systems and materials where feasible to support sustainability goals
The project complements NJ Transit’s ongoing purchase of 374 new Multilevel III cars, as NJBIZ reported. The carriages will replace aging single-level equipment, including the system’s least dependable Arrow III cars.
NJ Transit says the new cars will offer improved reliability, increased seating capacity, higher top speeds of up to 110 mph, better accessibility and modern onboard features.
As Kolluri mentioned, the initiative to modernize the fleet has been a priority of the Murphy administration. It’s also been one that Kolluri has stressed since taking the helm at NJ Transit earlier this year.
Asked about his future at the agency by reporters, Kolluri said he planned to leave early next year as planned and would not seek reappointment to Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill’s administration, according to NJ.com.
“I said I’m leaving at the end of the January, and I have not changed my mind,” Kolluri told reporters, noting he had not been contacted by the Sherrill team.
Neither NJ Transit nor the Sherrill transition team immediately responded to a request for comment.
