Bombardier Transportation has been awarded a contract for 27 ALP-46A electric locomotives by the New Jersey Transit Corporation. The powerful locomotives will help NJ TRANSIT expand capacity in its passenger rail operations, hauling specially designed Multilevel commuter rail cars Bombardier is currently delivering to the transit service provider. The firm order for 27 locomotives is valued at an estimated 155 million euros ($229 million US). The contract also includes options for an additional 33 locomotives.

The new ALP-46A locomotives are based on service-proven ALP-46 electric locomotive technology that has been in successful operation with NJ TRANSIT since 2002. NJ TRANSIT currently utilizes 29 ALP-46 locomotives as part of its commuter rail fleet.

ALP-46A locomotives will feature a number of technology upgrades along with improved acceleration and increased operating efficiency. The locomotives will be capable of speeds up to 125 mph and will be powered by highly reliable BOMBARDIER MITRAC propulsion and controls equipment. MITRAC propulsion and controls technology offers high performance and intelligent features such as remote diagnostics systems and sophisticated adhesion control for improved traction and hauling efficiency on steel rails

The new locomotives will be built at Bombardier’s manufacturing site in Kassel, Germany. Shipments to the USA are scheduled to begin in the Fall of 2009.

“An important factor in this follow on order is the excellent reliability of the 29 ALP-46 locomotives, as well as the high quality and on-time delivery of the product,” said Edmund Schlummer, President of Bombardier’s Locomotive Division.

NJ TRANSIT is an established customer of Bombardier and the third largest provider of public transit in the United States. In addition to ALP-46 locomotives, Bombardier has supplied more than 300 Comet II, III and IV push-pull commuter cars to the transit agency, and is currently delivering 234 MultiLevel commuter rail cars. Bombardier was also a member of the consortium that designed and built the turnkey River LINE light rail system between Camden and Trenton, New Jersey. Bombardier Transportation now operates and maintains the system under a contract with NJ TRANSIT.