(The following appeared on the Newsday website on February 10, 2009.)
NEWARK, N.J. — NJ Transit is preparing to replace its oldest rail cars.
The transit agency has asked for proposals to replace the old silver-sided Arrow III cars that have been used for decades on the North Jersey Coast, Northeast Corridor and Morris and Essex lines.
The agency wants trains on those lines powered by electric motors on each car instead of being hauled by locomotives, as they are now.
NJ Transit Executive Director Richard Sarles says the newer style of car is better for high-density rail lines with many stops.
The cost of the new cars is not clear.
The Arrow cars have been in service since the late 1970s on the Northeast Corridor line.