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New Jersey Transit recently awarded a two-year contract to Nextel Communications to provide 1,500 wireless direct-connect communication devices for front-line employees.

The equipment will enable rail operation center officials to communicate with employees onboard trains without relying on radio relays between dispatchers and engineers, according to a prepared statement. The direct-connect devices feature text messaging, enabling crew members to receive real-time information on train status and service issues.

Thirty NJ Transit employees tested the devices during an eight-week pilot program. The agency plans to begin distributing the devices by year end.