NJ Transit gives final OK to Bombardier contract
BY SUZANNE MOORE Editor Jan 10, 2019 Updated Jan 12, 2019
Press-Republican

PLATTSBURGH — Bombardier Transportation has inked its deal with New Jersey Transit, finalizing a contract valued at $669 million and potentially much more.

New Jersey Transit had voted to tentatively award the contract to Bombardier on Dec. 12.

“This would be a major order even if limited to the initial 113 railcars,” North Country Chamber of Commerce President Garry Douglas said in a statement, “but the contract also provides, as we all hoped, for options that could bring the total order to $3.6 billion.

“This order is very positive for Bombardier in Plattsburgh, its workforce and its suppliers and is testament to the excellent performance Bombardier has delivered to New Jersey in the past.”

This latest contract continues a partnership of nearly four decades between Bombardier and New Jersey Transit, Bombardier spokesperson Maryanne Roberts said earlier.

“We understand the significance of this procurement and have spent considerable time developing a best value solution for New Jersey Transit and its customers and other valued stakeholders,” she said shortly after the December vote.

PROMISING STEP

On behalf of the chamber, Douglas congratulated Bombardier and expressed appreciation to New Jersey Transit “for their continued confidence in what the North Country produces.

“And we are ready to continue working with Bombardier and our partners to meet their training and other needs going forward.”

Douglas also thanked Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and Senator Charles Schumer, “who have been continuously supportive in many ways, as have State Senator Betty Little and Assemblyman Billy Jones.”

In a statement, Jones called the multi-million dollar contract “another promising step forward for the North Country economy.

“The $669 million deal represents a massive investment in Plattsburgh and the North Country as a whole,” he said.

“I’ll continue working with my partners in government to ensure companies like Bombardier can thrive in New York State so we can keep moving in the right direction.”

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