This is the archival website for the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA). It is not kept up to date. Please visit the SFMTA website for current information. Press Room > SFMTA Explores Double Deck Bus Option > Double Decker Bus Trial SFMTA Fact Sheet |
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The SFMTA is testing a double deck bus, which is one of many vehicles we will assess, to determine how well it performs on busy San Francisco bus routes and how it is perceived by our transit customers. SFMTA is exploring a variety of innovative ways to improve the quality of Muni service through the Transit Effectiveness Project. By bringing the double deck bus to San Francisco, customers will have an opportunity to ride the bus and provide feedback, thus shaping Muni’s future. SFMTA is interested in double deck buses because they have proven to carry heavy customer volumes in other cities and may improve reliability and crowding on Muni’s busiest lines. The test bus arrived on November 28, 2007 and will be here through January 9, 2008. After about 10 days of training and tours, the bus will operate in-service on multiple Muni routes. Throughout the pilot, the SFMTA staff will distribute customer and employee surveys, in addition to collecting data on boarding and travel time and ridership data. If the bus performs well, the SFMTA could consider this type of vehicle for future procurement.
BenefitsCustomer Benefits
Operations and Maintenance Benefits
Facts and Specifications
Manufacturer: Engine: In service: Cost: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)How much will the pilot trial cost? Alexander Dennis is loaning the bus to SFMTA free of charge. SFMTA will pay for fuel and evaluation costs. How much does a double deck bus cost? The cost of a double deck bus is very similar to the cost of a 60 foot bus. Las Vegas paid about $800,000 per vehicle in 2006. Actual costs vary dependent upon how optional features are configured (e.g., seating arrangements, heating and air conditioning). What is the height of the bus? Will it clear the trolley wires and other obstacles? The pilot bus is 14 feet high, similar to double deck tourist buses already in service throughout San Francisco. It will comfortably clear trolley wires and other obstacles. The Broadway Tunnel will be avoided as it is only 13.5 feet high. Will the SFMTA charge fares while the bus is in service? We will not charge customers; however; we are requesting that customers complete surveys. Will the double deck bus be accessible to people with disabilities? This vehicle was designed to meet ADA accessibility standards. It is a low-floor bus with an accessible ramp and two wheelchair securements on the lower level. The front seats on the lower level will be prioritized for seniors and people with disabilities. The upstairs is only accessible by stairwell. When and where will the bus run in service? The bus will run from the beginning of the morning peak until the end of the evening peak (approximately 6:30 am to 6:30 pm). It will run on several routes. We are posting the schedule on this Web site for customers interested in testing it out. Determine whether your route is part of the test Are Muni operators trained to drive double deck buses? A select number of operators will be trained to drive the double deck bus and will be tested to confirm their proficiency. The vehicle operates similar to a standard 40ft vehicle. Is it possible for the buses to roll over or be unbalanced if the upper deck is full? The buses are designed with a low center of gravity, so even if the upstairs is at capacity, the bus is not likely to tilt. Does Alexander Dennis make a double deck electric diesel hybrid bus? An electric diesel hybrid is in development. How is the safety of customers going to be monitored? Upstairs activity is monitored by the operator through a video camera. Operators will follow standard safety practices if an incident is observed anywhere on the vehicle. Do double deck buses require more time for customers to get on and off the bus? The trial will examine the issue of dwell time, or how long a bus is at a stop. The bus will be fitted with automatic customer counters (APC) that record dwell time (load and unload time) at bus stops. SFMTA staff will also ride on board to observe. Will SFMTA collect data and customer feedback during the trial? Yes. In addition to the APC data that will be collected, customers will be encouraged to complete survey cards, SFMTA staff will ride on board to observe field operations, and bus operators and maintenance staff will be surveyed. Where else are these buses used in the world? This type of bus is used in London and other English cities, Hong Kong, and in Las Vegas, Nevada. Double deck tour buses are already used in San Francisco. Do the buses meet “Buy American” standards? The double deck buses are manufactured in the U.K., but are finished and outfitted in the U.S.A. where the engine and the seats are installed. Alexander Dennis has an office in Canyon Lake, CA, Can this bus be modified to operate as an electric trolley-coach? Likely, but the SFMTA is not considering double deck trolley coaches at this time.
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