TransLink is preparing to roll out its double decker bus pilot project in early November.
After a successful test day in South Delta last Monday, TransLink is preparing to roll out its double decker bus pilot project in early November.
According to TransLink senior media relations advisor Chris Bryan, testing was done on the 601 and 620 routes.
“The bus we used was a decommissioned bus outfitted with a metal frame that mimicked the profile of a double decker bus,” said Bryan, adding that testing was also done in South Surrey and White Rock.
“We had a staff car following making sure that there were no issues with branches from trees or any cable or power lines. The testing went well.”
Bryan said subject to change, TransLink plans to run the buses, adorned in TransLink colours, in November.
“We are retiring our highway coaches soon, so this is a good opportunity for us to look at ways at improving the service that we provide and double decker buses might be a good fit because they provide much more seating capacity,” he said. “A typical double decker has seating for 80 whereas our current highway coaches seat 47, meaning more customers will get a seat when making the long commute.”
Bryan said the pilot will include two double-decker buses, provided at no cost to TransLink by manufacturer Alexander Dennis, and will last about two months. The buses will be based out of the Richmond Transit Centre.
He added the buses are capable of going through the George Massey Tunnel.
“I’m told there is ample clearance. It has been run through the tunnel a few times,” he noted. “We want to know from our customers who use the service what they think. We want them to tell us does it improve upon the service, what they like about it and what they don’t like about it.”
Details on the exact date when the new buses will roll out as well as how transit riders will be able to provide feedback will be released by TransLink soon.
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