NJ TRANSIT APPROVES PURCHASE OF NEW ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVES

Nine additional locomotives boost total order to 36 to better serve high-capacity multilevel rail cars

June 10, 2009
NJT-09-056

NEWARK, NJ — The NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors today approved the purchase of nine additional electric locomotives—for a total order of 36—that will provide better acceleration and reliability while pulling the agency’s growing fleet of multilevel rail cars. 

“The new electric locomotives are a cost-effective way of enabling NJ TRANSIT to modernize its fleet and meet growing ridership needs,” said Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman Stephen Dilts. 

In December 2007, the Board authorized a $245 million contract with Bombardier Transit Corporation of Bensalem, PA, for the purchase of 27 ALP-46A electric locomotives, including spare parts, with the option to purchase additional locomotives in the future. 

Today’s Board action enables the agency to purchase an additional nine ALP-46A electric locomotives and spare parts at a cost of $72 million.

“The total order of ALP-46A locomotives will enable NJ TRANSIT to replace all or a portion of its aging ALP-44 fleet, which will improve reliability and performance,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Richard Sarles. 

NJ TRANSIT currently operates a fleet of 32 ALP-44 electric locomotives and 29 ALP-46 electric locomotives.  The ALP-46A electric locomotives on order pull longer train lengths with better acceleration than other NJ TRANSIT locomotives.  For example, the new ALP-46A electric locomotive is capable of pulling 10 multilevel cars in regular service, while the older ALP-44 electric locomotive currently can pull only six multilevel cars. 

The first ALP-46A electric locomotives are expected to arrive early next year, with complete delivery anticipated in mid-2011.

About NJ TRANSIT

NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 895,000 weekday trips on 240 bus routes, three light rail lines and 11 commuter rail lines. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 164 rail stations, 60 light rail stations and more than 18,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.