NJ TRANSIT Approves $917M Overhaul of Multilevel Rail Cars to Modernize Fleet

MORRISTOWN, NJ — NJ TRANSIT is moving forward with a $917 million overhaul of its aging Multilevel I and II railcars, marking a significant step in its long-term plan to modernize its commuter rail fleet. The agency’s Board of Directors authorized the funding to refurbish 429 railcars, some of which have been in operation for nearly two decades.

The project is intended to extend the useful life of the vehicles while enhancing reliability, efficiency, and the overall customer experience. The railcars targeted for overhaul include:

• 329 Multilevel I cars delivered between 2006 and 2009

• 100 Multilevel II cars delivered between 2012 and 2013

“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 & 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 Goals of the Overhaul

The mid-life overhaul will:

• Restore vehicles to a state of good repair

• Upgrade systems for compatibility with the newer Multilevel III cars

• Add modern passenger features such as USB charging ports

• Incorporate energy-efficient systems and materials to improve sustainability

An Expression of Interest (EOI) process will be launched to identify experienced contractors qualified to undertake this large-scale commuter railcar refurbishment. Contractors will be evaluated based on their capabilities, past performance, and technical expertise before advancing to the final bidding stage.

Part of a Larger Fleet Modernization Effort

The overhaul coincides with NJ TRANSIT’s broader rail modernization strategy. The agency has already approved the procurement of 374 new Multilevel III vehicles, which will replace its aging single-level and Arrow III cars. These new vehicles will:

• Offer higher speeds (up to 110 mph)

• Provide increased seating capacity

• Feature enhanced accessibility and modern amenities

Systemwide Benefits

The overhaul of the Multilevel I and II cars is critical for ensuring interoperability with the new Multilevel III fleet and maintaining mechanical reliability across the rail system. When complete, the modernized fleet will contribute to smoother operations, reduced delays, and improved service quality for commuters statewide.

NJ TRANSIT, which operates the third-largest transit system in the country, serves more than 925,000 weekday riders across 263 bus routes, 12 commuter rail lines, three light rail systems, and paratransit services. The multilevel vehicles are a core component of the agency’s rail service, connecting New Jersey communities to New York, Philadelphia, and beyond.

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