TransLink has announced that Metro Vancouverites can look forward to riding the snazzy new double-decker buses by fall this year.
You鈥檒l be able to ride a double-decker TransLink bus this fall. Photo: TransLink Facebook
The transit provider made the announcement on social media Friday afternoon.
鈥淥ur double-decker buses are now on their way to Metro Vancouver!鈥� TransLink wrote on Facebook.
鈥淥nce they arrive they'll undergo inspection and testing before entering service in the fall. Stay tuned for more details!鈥�
The new buses will have double the capacity of a regular bus, a wide, well-lit staircase with handrails and a screen that allows riders to see vacant seats up top before going upstairs.
Plus, the winning feature, panoramic views from the top deck.
TransLink first announced it was adding double-decker buses to its fleet in March 2018, after the success of a four-month pilot project. The double-deckers served seven bus routes in Vancouver, Langley, Surrey, White Rock and Delta during the pilot.
And, at the time, Vancouverites seemed to love them.
A from the pilot found that 75 per cent of customers would be more likely to take transit if it was a double-decker.
People also said the buses offered a 鈥渟mooth ride.鈥�
Double-decker buses were also a hit with bus operators, scoring well in drivability, ease of maintenance and fuel economy.
Twenty-seven of the double-deckers will replace aging Orion buses and five will expand the fleet.
TransLink said the 鈥渄ouble-deckers will provide a less crowded, more comfortable ride for customers.鈥�
