The state yesterday decided to buy 13 used double-decker passenger railcars to help relieve overcrowding on the MARC commuter route which runs through Anne Arundel County.

The state Board of Public Works approved the $22 million purchase from the Virginia Railway Express.

"The MARC rail system has tremendous potential," Gov. Martin O'Malley said in a release. "To realize that potential we must invest in improvements that will meet demand and provide a better experience for our customers."

Most of the cars will be used on the Penn Line, which runs from Washington, D.C., to Perryville and makes stops at New Carrollton,...