NJ TRANSIT dedicates new multilevel rail cars to Trenton, Hamilton, West Windsor, Edison, Rahway, Woodbridge, Elizabeth, Newark, Summit

NJ TRANSIT dedicated its first multilevel rail cars to nine communities served by the state's commuter rail system at a ceremony November 16 at the League of Municipalities conference in Atlantic City.

The cars were dedicated to "host" communities of Trenton, Hamilton, West Windsor, Edison, Rahway, Woodbridge, Elizabeth, Newark and Summit. Each of the 234 multilevel cars will display a commemorative plaque in honor of a community served by the rail network as they are delivered over the next two years.

"These municipalities recognize the importance of public transportation - both to their own residents and to New Jersey as a whole," said Assemblyman John S. Wisniewski, Chairman of the Transportation and Public Works Committee, who suggested the idea of a dedication program. "We are honoring both the municipalities and the important role NJ TRANSIT plays in the communities it serves."

The first multilevel train is scheduled to make its debut for customers on December 11 with a trip on the Northeast Corridor from Trenton to New York Penn Station.

"In a time of record-high ridership levels, these cars will represent a new level of capacity and convenience for our customers," said Commissioner Kris Kolluri.

"The fleet of multilevel rail cars is a critical step to provide near-term capacity relief while we work to build the Trans-Hudson Express Tunnel," said, NJ TRANSIT Executive Director George D. Warrington. "This investment will provide the capacity to meet growing ridership and relieve congestion on our roads and highways."

"These cars stand out from our single-level rail cars in a number of ways," said NJ TRANSIT Board Member Flora Castillo, who hosted today's event. "Along with an array of customer-inspired amenities, they are the first NJ TRANSIT cars to offer a two-by-two seating configuration that eliminates the middle seat."

As the new cars are delivered and tested, the multilevel fleet will be used for additional service and to replace some single-level cars on NJ TRANSIT's busiest rail lines - the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast Line and MidTOWN DIRECT service on the Morris & Essex and Montclair-Boonton lines.

The 234 multilevel car order consists of 86 coach cars with ADA restrooms and 132 seats, 33 cab cars with ADA restrooms and 127 seats and 115 coach cars without restrooms with 142 seats.