Alstom delivers first Multilevel III commuter rail car to NJ TRANSIT, marking major step in modernizing one of the country’s largest rail networks

The new double-deck trains will replace legacy single‑level cars that have been in service for more than 40 years, transforming the passenger experience with more seats, improved comfort, and improved travel times. These vehicles are capable of traveling 110 mph, making them up to 30 mph faster than the previous fleet. This boost in speed enables NJ TRANSIT to enhance schedule reliability and accommodate increasing passenger demand. In addition, the Multilevel III vehicles feature amenities such as USB charging ports in every row as well as audio announcements and digital signs informing passengers of upcoming station stops.

“Governor Mikie Sherrill and NJ TRANSIT President and CEO Kris Kolluri have made clear that a strong reliable rail system is the backbone of a livable, affordable New Jersey,” said Michael Keroullé, President and CEO of Alstom Americas. “The Multilevel III fleet delivers on that commitment, offering reliable vehicles with modern amenities, greater capacity, and a more comfortable ride for passengers. These vehicles are built in the USA by our skilled union employees whose dedication and expertise make this transformation possible.”

“Our focus remains on delivering a rail system that customers can depend on every day,” said NJ TRANSIT President and CEO Kris Kolluri. “These new multilevel cars will dramatically improve reliability, expand capacity and significantly enhance the on-board customer experience. For the first time in our agency’s history, we will proudly deliver a fully modernized rail fleet for our customers by 2031.”

Added capacity and greater reliability

The first car delivered to the Meadows Maintenance Complex in Kearny, NJ, is a power car, which was developed by Alstom in close partnership with NJ TRANSIT to allow train consists to operate without locomotives. The power cars include electric propulsion and more than 100 passenger seats. They will be combined with other power cars, trailer cars and cab cars to form Electric Multiple Unit consists that will accelerate faster, thus improving trip times, while also providing built‑in redundancy. The flexible design will enable the agency to adjust train lengths to accommodate passenger volumes for service changes and special events.

NJ TRANSIT ordered the Multilevel III vehicles in phases over the past seven years. The transit agency—the third largest in the country—has ordered 112 power cars, 100 cab cars (which include compartments where an operator can control the train), and 162 trailer cars. The vehicles are Buy-America compliant, consisting of at least 70% U.S.-made content and assembled in Plattsburgh, NY, by Alstom’s skilled unionized workforce

The Multilevel III vehicles for NJ TRANSIT are part of Alstom’s Adessia commuter rail portfolio. The versatile Adessia platform has been proven worldwide, with 45,000+ commuter cars sold across more than 60 systems in 15 countries, enabling over 20 million passenger journeys every day.

Alstom, a long-term U.S. mobility partner

Alstom is a leading rolling stock and rail services provider in the U.S. It has delivered more than 12,000 new or renovated vehicles for domestic rail agencies, including those in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Boston, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and New Jersey, and delivered the first high-speed trains made in America. Alstom is also the number one private rail operator in the country, serving more than 10 rail and airport customers and moving millions of passengers daily.

ALSTOM™ and Adessia™ are protected trademarks of the Alstom Group.