US commuter operator New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) has exercised options in contracts with Alstom for 200 double-deck coaches and 12 ALP 45 electro-diesel bi-mode locomotives.

The deal for the coaches is worth $US 1.055bn and takes the number of Multilevel III cars ordered under the framework to 374. The separate locomotive contract is worth $US 203.9m and will expand the ALP 45 locomotive fleet to 72 units.

The new coaches will replace 40-year-old single-deck Comet II, IV and V single-deck coaches and will offer a 12% increase in capacity. Alstom says the new trains will operate “between 10 and 20 times further between critical repairs,” boosting performance on commuter routes from New Jersey to New York and Philadelphia. Onboard, passengers will benefit from USB charging points, digital information screens and automated audio announcements.

The locomotives will replace some of NJ Transit’s older diesel units, taking power from the overhead supply at 12.5kV 25Hz or 25kV 60Hz ac. They will also be equipped with a diesel engine that meets US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier IV emissions standards for operation on non-electrified lines.

The framework contract for the double-deck coaches was originally signed with Bombardier in 2018. The base order consisted of 113 cars and the contract has a remaining option for 50 additional coaches. Of the existing Multilevel III fleet, around a third are EMUs with the remainder locomotive hauled. A 12-car EMU will typically consist of four motor cars and eight trailers and has capacity for 1552 seated passengers.

The locomotive contract was signed with Bombardier in 2008 and consisted of an initial order for 26 units with options for another 63. The ALP 45 can operate at up to 200km/h in electric mode and 120km/h using diesel traction.

“These third-generation multi-level trains that we will start delivering to NJ Transit in the coming months are designed with energy-efficient features, redundancy and durability to maximise the value of NJ Transit’s fleet over its lifecycle,” says Michael Keroullé, president of Alstom Americas.

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