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Overhaul existing rail cars or purchase new ones? New Jersey Transit has decided to do the latter. Yesterday, the agency’s board approved the purchase of an additional 45 multi-level rail cars from Bombardier Transportation to replace 49 Comet III-series cars obtained in 1990 that are due for a mid-life overhaul.

Replacing the Comet cars with new multi-level vehicles is the most cost-effective alternative, according to the agency.

NJ Transit now has ordered 279 multi-level cars from Bombardier, which so far has delivered 23 of the vehicles. The car builder expects to deliver all cars by mid-2009.

In December, NJ Transit began operating its first multi-level train; late next month, the agency expects to launch the second. The cars feature two-by-two seating, wider aisles, and an upper and lower seating level, as well as an open mezzanine at each end.