NJT
Alstom on Feb. 24 reported signing a contract valued at more than $25 million to overhaul 209 Multilevel II trucks for NJT. The trucks are required to undergo overhauls every 10 years to keep the railcars in a state of good repair and in compliance with all mandated regulations, including federal safety standards and the American Public Transportation (APTA) standards, Alstom said.
Alstom will rebuild or replace truck components to original equipment manufacturer specifications at its Katona, N.Y. facility.
NJT in September 2010 ordered 100 Multilevel II cars from Bombardier, which was acquired by Alstom in 2021.
“We are committed to restoring the performance of NJT’s fleet through comprehensive overhauls, ensuring our customer and their passengers benefit from safe, reliable and efficient transit services,” Alstom Americas President Michael Keroullé said. “This initiative underscores our dedication to maintaining the highest standards for our products for our customers over their entire lifecycle.”
Separately, NJT In December 2018 awarded Bombardier (now Alstom), supplier of the Multilevel Is and IIs, a contract for 113 Multilevel IIIs to replace the Arrow III railcars. In February 2022, the agency exercised an option for an additional 25. In July 2024, NJT exercised a third option for 36, bringing the total number to 174. The cars are being manufactured at Alstom’s Plattsburg, N.Y., plant. The service timeline for the initial 113 units is 2026, the first option of 25 is 2027 and the second option of 36 is 2028. NJT on Oct. 30, 2024, previewed its in-production Multilevel III railcars. No. 8015, a Trailer Car, was on display for members of the media and State and FTA officials.
Brightline
Florida’s Brightline will collaborate on marketing campaigns with Driftwood Hospitality Management (Driftwood), a third-party hotel management company with a portfolio that includes more than 80 hotels throughout North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean, including those in key Brightline-served markets in South and Central Florida. The two companies will provide customers with “exclusive travel offers, promotions, and a more integrated travel experience,” the passenger railroad reported Feb. 24.
Brightline will promote Driftwood’s properties through in-train advertising, Brightline’s email newsletters and social media channels. Riders will benefit from curated hotel packages at Driftwood’s properties in Greater Miami, Broward County, Palm Beach County, Orlando, and the Space Coast, making it easier to plan Florida travel, according to Brightline.
Driftwood will integrate Brightline travel offers into its marketing strategy, incorporating the passenger rail service into hotel packages and promotions.
Brightline covers 235 miles between Miami and Orlando (see map above). It launched the first phase of its South Florida operations in 2018, connecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Stations in Boca Raton and Aventura opened in 2022. Construction of its 170-mile, $6 billion phase two extension from West Palm Beach to Orlando began in 2019 and service launched in September 2023.
“Driftwood Hospitality Management is proud to unite travel and hospitality excellence through our partnership with Brightline,” said Bryan Postema, Chief Operating Officer at Driftwood. “By connecting our guests with seamless and elevated travel experiences, we’re delivering a new standard of convenience and luxury for travelers exploring Florida’s top cities. Together, we’re redefining the journey, making it part of the destination.”
“Our partnership with Driftwood reinforces a shared commitment to providing unparalleled travel journeys connecting in Florida’s most visited destinations,” added Barbara Drahl, Senior Vice President Marketing and Commercial Strategy for Brightline. “Together, we’re reimagining the travel experience by combining high-speed connectivity with high-quality accommodations.”
