NEW JERSEY (WABC) — Hop aboard the newest addition to NJ Transit’s train fleet!<\/p>\n
347 rail cars called Multilevel 3 will be replacing older trains as part of a $3 billion investment in the largest statewide public transit system in the nation.<\/p>\n
Officials with NJ Transit said they haven’t gotten new trains since 2008.<\/p>\n
Governor Mikie Sherrill joined NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri to showcase these double-decker trains, which will allow for higher speeds, increased seating capacity, modern amenities and self-propulsion – a major advancement in rail technology.<\/p>\n
“We are seeing now some fantastic new trains which are going to stop some of the delays, make sure that we don’t have the operational problems that we’ve had. Make sure that our commuters are having a great commuting experience and not sitting in that dreaded middle seat at the end of a long day,” Sherrill said.<\/p>\n
NJ Transit says its on track to fully modernize its rail and bus fleets by 2031, but in the more immediate future, riders are still focused on reliability.<\/p>\n
“It’s hard to trust them again. So I think it’s going to lead to more delays and more frustration from NJ Transit Riders, but I guess we’ll give them the benefit of the doubt and see,” NJ Transit rider Jonothan Provenzano said.<\/p>\n
NJ Transit shares much of its track with Amtrak, and some of the heavily used infrastructure is more than 100 years old.<\/p>\n
Plus, this summer, ahead of the eight World Cup matches at Met Life Stadium, NJ Transit will be closing the boarding area at New York Penn Station for up to four hours.<\/p>\n
Governor Sherrill says she is working to find discounts and alternatives for New Jersians whose commutes will be disrupted and NJ Transit is pledging to keep improving.<\/p>\n
“I am aware as a person who takes a train every day that the challenges some of the infrastructure causes are. Folks, we’re trying to get rid of one problem, which is the mechanical issue. Infrastructure is something I talk to Amtrak about every day,” Kolluri said.<\/p>\n
The first 40 of the new rail cars are set to start rolling out towards the end of the year along with enhanced buses and riders are more than ready.<\/p>\n
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