Thursday, February 10, 2011

More double-deckers for OC Transpo

According to 580 CFRA, OC Transpo will be adding a few new double-decker buses to its fleet. There are three in service at the moment, and according to the report, OC Transpo general manager Alain Mercier has said the number they'll be adding will be in the double digits. From the story:

Part of the Transit Service's Plan to save millions of dollars in operating costs is to add more double-decker buses to the fleet.
I'm not really sure how the double-decker buses result in any significant cost-savings, but I find them to be a comfortable ride when I'm on them. They are limited, though; if I'm not mistaken, limited height clearance in some parts of the city restricts where they can go. And while common sense might lead you to believe twice the stories means twice the passengers, significant seating is eaten up by the staircase to the top deck, and no passengers are allowed to stand on the upper deck, either.

But when you're on the upper deck and lucky enough to sit in the front row, you can pretend you're driving. Which is pretty sweet.

8 comments:

Eric S. Smith said...

I remember reading somewhere that OC Transpo reckoned that the operating cost of a double-decker was a bit lower than the operating cost of an articulated bus. I don't know where they save money — could be anything from better fuel economy to a more relaxed inspection and maintenance schedule.

McC said...

Just guesses: fewer axles wheels and tires than on an Artic, and the bendy part probably has higher maintenance needs as well.

Anonymous said...

Shorter physical length (than an artic with similar capacity) means less congestion on the central transitway downtown, which is a pretty damn good thing at this point.

WJM said...

On the flip-side, longer dwell times.

Anonymous said...

so i guess either of you stood up straight in the upstairs part huh ..5 foot 4 clearance.. be good in mexico ..

Anonymous said...

One way to get the service to run even more late

Anonymous said...

Double deckers are substantially more expensive than articulated busses, take twice as long to load and unload, fewer bus drivers are willing to drive them, if the GPS is busted, they must down the bus because of clearance issues. As well, the tools and hoists to fix these busses have not yet been purchased. The only advantage I can see is that they hold 30 more seats. The artics can accomodate much more in standing room.

Anonymous said...

The only advantage I can see is that they hold 30 more seats. The artics can accomodate much more in standing room.


Which would be great... if ops drove with their standing load in mind, instead of driving like they are still 17, alone behind the wheel of a Jetta.