Luke's Blog

I have such a better experience on the new double-decker NJ Transit trains that I've actually changed my commute times in order to ride them.

If you don't ride the Jersey train, I'll give you a little background.  There are 3 classes of trains.

1.  Really old - single level trains with 3 seats on one side, 2 on the other side of the aisle.  Seats so old that you sink into them and feel the springs.  Everything is so dirty that you feel like you need to shower again after reaching work.  Too few seats that people stand in the aisles and in between cars.

2.  Kind of old - single level trains with 3 seats on one side, 2 on the other side of the aisle.  Seats are not as bad and there feels to be a little more room in the cars.  Signs and recorded announcements alert riders about next station.

3. Brand new.  2-level trains with 2-molded seats on each side of the aisle.  A few single seats at end of  upper level of cars.  Standing area inside ends of car.  Signs and recorded announcements.  Clean.  Usually everyone gets a seat.

I ride the Northeast Corridor.  During the morning and afternoon commute we had been subjected to only the trains that fall into category 1.  Then we started getting a few of the category 3 trains sprinkled in.

I will go out of my way to ride these trains because it makes such a difference on my commute.

I was reminded of the way I've tried to forget about as I rode in this morning at a different time than normal.  I got to be wedged in between two people in a middle seat, but at least I got one.