Passenger Trains > NJ Transit multilevel prototype

NJ.com reports on the delivery of the first new self propelled multilevel car, unit 8501.

The cars are equipped with their own bridge plates. That will simplify access for persons in wheelchairs. Maybe also for stations like Metropark with wide gaps.

https://www.nj.com/news/2024/10/get-a-first-look-at-the-nj-transit-train-commuters-have-been-waiting-for.html

Posted from Android

Paywall for NJ.com.

I hope these are better or just as good as the acceleration of the EMU Arrows that they will be replacing! All of the NEC train sets operating between Trenton/Jersey Avenue and NYC should be outfitted with these new NJT multilevel EMUs. It would really help to speed up the commute on that line that has gotten slower and slower with the addition of stations and, in general, slower accelerating equipment. EVERY minute counts for a commuter on the NEC. Will these be able to run from South Amboy to NYC on the North Jersey Coast Line? I presume they can't make it through the phase break at Matawan, NJ nor run on Midtown Direct trains with the phase break there too? Been waiting a LONG time for these cars to come out! Glad they are finally getting close! 

It means shuting down the Princeton Branch permanently in a couple of years.

joemvcnj Wrote:
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> It means shuting down the Princeton Branch
> permanently in a couple of years.
Might as well. NJT moved "Princeton" further east recently and lost ridership.
How soon before "Princeton " is on US1 at the former Penns Neck station?

Actually do t know that for sure! There is no reason why they can't purchase a dozen or so upgraded M8 from Metro North for the Princeton Dinky and the three car Hoboken sets! They may also decide to to totally rebuild a dozen Arrow IIIs for the same reason

Posted from Android

It carries about 500 people per day. Not bad for a 2 car train with a 2 man crew going 2.7 miles. That is about double west of Dover and west of Raritan, which is about 18 miles, gets 7 cars trains, with 3 man crews. 

I love the Arrows and comets with the walk-over bench seats.  So much better than the one-size-fits-some molded plastic seats.
No big fan of multi-levels either.  narrow aisles, narrow steps....and if u need to go to another car..its up and down and up and down.  Try doing that with luggage.  PITA.    and they are super ugly, IMHO.
 

joemvcnj Wrote:
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> It means shuting down the Princeton Branch
> permanently in a couple of years.

Why?

Posted from iPhone

Jonny_Chi Wrote:
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> joemvcnj Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > It means shuting down the Princeton Branch
> > permanently in a couple of years.
>
> Why?


No equipment will be capable of running on it. 

beebopper Wrote:
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> Actually do t know that for sure! There is no
> reason why they can't purchase a dozen or so
> upgraded M8 from Metro North for the Princeton
> Dinky and the three car Hoboken sets! They may
> also decide to to totally rebuild a dozen Arrow
> IIIs for the same reason

The Arrow III's are pushing 50 and not in great shape, far worse than SEPTA's Silverliner IV version. NJT has said they would never  again by another single level car. They engineered their equipment around Manhattan service and nothing else matters. 

M-8's would need heavy 25mhz transformers. Quarter mark doors would also be a problem with gapping at the curvy Princeton Jct station. Center doors do not open there. Best alternative would be an option for 4 cars on top of the expected SEPTA Silverliner-VI order. But the fact is, Princeton University and NJT want it gone. The governor of NJ is also by definition a trustee of Princeton University, and the NJT Chair is by definition the DOT Commissioner, a direct report to the governor. .  



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 10/31/24 09:01 by joemvcnj.

If the town and NJT both want the Dinky gone, I is tough to argue it is necessary.

Posted from Android

It is only University administration. It has nothing to do with students, staff, faculty. The town is nothing more than a proxy for the university.

Posted from Android

joemvcnj Wrote:
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> It is only University administration. It has
> nothing to do with students, staff, faculty. The
> town is nothing more than a proxy for the
> university.
>
> Posted from Android

Just like any other small college town...

The 8501 is a non-powered trailer.  The power units will begin to arrive next year. They will operate in sub-sets of 3; trailer-powercar-trailer, using existing cab cars for now..