NJ TRANSIT is preparing to introduce a new generation of commuter rail equipment with its Multilevel III fleet, a 374-car order designed to increase capacity and improve efficiency for commuters.
A 374-car fleet built for growing demand
For decades, NJ TRANSIT commuters have dealt with the realities of an aging rail fleet, crowded trains, mechanical breakdowns, dim interiors and fogged or scratched windows that have become a familiar part of the daily ride. Much of the agency’s rail equipment dates back to the 1970s and 1980s, and reliability issues have increasingly drawn criticism from frustrated riders. NJ TRANSIT has faced this pressure to modernize while navigating funding challenges, rising operating costs and growing ridership demand across one of the busiest commuter rail networks in the country. Now, the agency is betting on its new generation of higher-capacity trains to improve performance, reliability and passenger comfort.
The new Multilevel III rail cars represent the next generation of NJ TRANSIT’s double-deck commuter platform and are expected to become a key part of service on some of the system’s busiest lines. Built by Alstom in Plattsburgh, New York, the fleet is designed to expand capacity and modernize commuter rail service across the region.
The Multilevel III program is one of the largest rolling stock investments in NJ TRANSIT history. The fleet will replace aging single-level equipment, including the Arrow III and Comet series cars that entered service in the 1970s and 1980s. The new cars will carry more passengers per train while remaining compatible with existing infrastructure throughout New Jersey and into New York Penn Station. The upgrade is intended to improve reliability and accommodate growing ridership demand.
Manufacturing is taking place at Alstom’s facility in Plattsburgh, continuing the company’s long-standing partnership with NJ TRANSIT and supporting skilled union labor in the United States.
A Weldor works to assemble the train cars at Allstrom’s facility in Plattsburg, NY. Photo courtesy of NJ Transit & Alstom
“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.”
Performance improvements and operational efficiency
Photo Courtesy of William C. Vantuono, of the Railway Age.
The Multilevel III fleet is designed for higher performance standards than previous generations, with capabilities that include speeds up to 110 mph under suitable track conditions, an increase of 30 mph over the previous fleet.
Beyond speed, the cars are engineered for smoother acceleration and braking performance, particularly in mixed traffic environments where commuter rail shares infrastructure with Amtrak and freight operations.
One of the most significant advancements in the Multilevel III program is the introduction of power cars. These rail cars are equipped with traction motors, allowing them to operate as part of a self-propelled trainset.
This design provides operational flexibility by reducing reliance on traditional locomotive-hauled components in certain configurations. Power cars can operate independently within trainsets or be combined to match service needs, offering a more adaptable approach to scheduling and train formation.
A more modern passenger experience
ML III passenger amenities feature USB charging ports, including USB 2.0 and USB-C connections, along with LED information displays. Photo Courtesy of William C. Vantuono, of the Railway Age.
Inside the cars, the focus shifts toward commuter comfort and connectivity. NJ TRANSIT’s Multilevel III design includes updated interiors and passenger amenities aimed at improving the daily travel experience.
Planned features include:
- USB charging ports at each seat row
- Digital information displays with real-time trip updates
- Improved lighting and interior visibility
- Enhanced audio announcement systems
- Updated accessibility features for easier boarding and navigation
These upgrades reflect a broader trend toward treating commuter rail not just as transportation, but as a usable workspace for daily riders.
A long-term modernization step
The new Multilevel III rail cars are currently undergoing testing and commissioning, with NJ TRANSIT expecting up to 40 cars to enter passenger service by the end of 2026. While the agency has not yet announced where the new cars will be deployed, the fleet is expected to replace the oldest and least reliable Arrow III rail cars, which currently operate on the Main, Bergen County, Pascack Valley, Montclair-Boonton and Morristown lines.
In addition to the new Multilevel IIIs, NJ TRANSIT is renovating 429 existing multilevel rail cars to extend their service life and better align them with the next generation of equipment. Plans for a full overhaul by 2031 include 228 new 40-foot transit and suburban buses, the rehabilitation of River LINE light rail vehicles, new Access Link paratransit vehicles and additional ALP-45A dual-power locomotives. Together, these projects are part of a long-term fleet replacement strategy aimed at modernizing NJ TRANSIT’s system by 2031.The arrival of the Multilevel III fleet also comes as work advances on the Gateway Program, including the long-awaited new rail tunnel beneath the Hudson River and the new Portal North Bridge. While no single investment will solve every challenge facing the system, the combination of modern rail cars and major infrastructure improvements could go a long way toward addressing many of the longstanding issues that have frustrated riders for decades, from aging equipment and overcrowding to reliability concerns along one of the nation’s busiest commuter rail networks.
Sources:
Alstom. (2026, April 13). Alstom delivers first Multilevel III commuter rail car to NJ TRANSIT, marking major step in modernizing one of the country’s largest rail networks. https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2026/4/alstom-delivers-first-multilevel-iii-commuter-rail-car-nj-transit-marking-major-step-modernizing-one-countrys-largest-rail-networks
NJ TRANSIT. (2026, April 13). NJ TRANSIT showcases arrival of first new multilevel rail car as fleet modernization continues. https://www.njtransit.com/press-releases/nj-transit-showcases-arrival-first-new-multilevel-rail-car-fleet-modernization
NJ TRANSIT. (n.d.). NJ TRANSIT continues modernization of bus fleet. https://www.njtransit.com/press-releases/nj-transit-continues-modernization-bus-fleetRailfanning.org. (n.d.). Arrow III. https://railfanning.org/rolling/arrowiii/
