NJ Transit replacing diesel engines on River Line to reduce fuel use up to 15 percent

New Jersey Transit’s (NJ Transit) River LINE light-rail vehicle engines are being upgraded to improve fuel efficiency and lessen the environmental impact.

The more than 20 Tier IV diesel engines from Cummins will replace the current 15-year old Tier I engines to bring the line into alignment with current EPA emissions standards and result in fuel savings of 10 to 15 percent.

“NJ Transit service gets people out of cars and is one the best ways to limit state-wide greenhouse gas emissions,” said NJ Transit President and CEO Kevin Corbett. “At the same time, these engines will help NJ Transit reduce its carbon footprint and operating costs through better fuel efficiency.”

The existing Tier I engines, in addition to being less efficient than their replacements, have reached the end of their useful life. Maintenance cost and time in the shop continues to increase as many of the necessary parts are no longer in production.

Compared to the current engines, the Tier IV engines are expected to reduce oxides of nitrogen emissions by at least 57 percent, and lower particulate matter by 90 percent. This will greatly reduce the impact of the River LINE on the local and global environment.

The retrofit of new engines includes heating systems on the cars, installation of auxiliary power to reduce downtime, upgraded control and diagnostic features and enhancement of the fire suppression system will expand the useful life of existing River LINE vehicles to 30 years.

Total cost for the project from design to installation and moving customers is approximately $700,000, and full implementation of the Tier IV engines should be completed by Spring 2022.

There will be no impact to service as the engines are installed on the fleet.