London, England may be known for its red double-decker buses, but New Jersey may have its own take on this iconic mode of transportation as a new double-decker train line hits the tracks.

On Wednesday, October 30, 2024, New Jersey officials unveiled what NJ Transit called “next-generation multi-level rail cars” in a statement.

These trains are the first of their kind in North America, officials said.

The Multilevel III wagon, announced this week, is one of 174 wagons planned to help “significantly increase reliability, capacity and customer comfort,” officials said in a statement.

“Providing modern, reliable equipment is a critical component of improving New Jersey’s infrastructure, especially as it relates to public transportation,” New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said in a statement. “These multi-level railcars are equipped with innovative features that meet the daily needs of our passengers. Upon completion, these upgraded rolling stock will increase NJ Transit passengers’ access to reliable and comfortable transportation.”

Governor Murphy and NJ Transit President Kevin Corbett previewed the first of 174 Multilevel III cars this week, showcasing many of the new car’s features, including USB charging ports and in-car information displays, officials said.

The new cars, manufactured by Alstom Transport in Plattsburgh, N.Y., will offer a number of advantages over the older, 40+ year-old single-level cars they will replace, and NJ Transit officials said the cars will offer even more advantages. “Dramatic improvement in mechanical reliability.”

Officials said that with these new trains, the maximum speed of the vehicle will increase to 110 miles per hour, it will be self-propelled and will not need a separate locomotive.

The cars, which officials say will enter service by the middle of next year, will comply with the latest federal regulations, including Positive Train Control.

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