Double-decker Project
The decision has been made!
Double–decker buses to hit Strathcona County
late-2013
After a year-long trial and a comprehensive business case analysis, Strathcona County will go ahead with the purchase of seven new double-decker buses for use on the County’s Sherwood Park - Edmonton bus routes.
The double-decker was compared against the new articulated buses that also spent a number of weeks on Sherwood Park and Edmonton roads. In the end, it was determined that the double-decker bus was the best fit for the community needs with:
- 37% more seating capacity
- 21% more total passenger capacity
- 5-17% increase cost effectiveness over the lifetime of the bus
- it advances of the County’s three pillars of sustainability: economical, social and environmental.
These buses will be the first double-decker transit buses in Alberta. However, after the County trial in 2011, a number of other Alberta communities are also considering the double-decker to suit their high-capacity busing needs. The buses are already in use in a number of Canadian municipalities including Ottawa, Toronto, Kelowna and Victoria. Las Vegas and Seattle also use the double-decker as a standard part of their transit fleets.
A year-long pilot was used to determine how passengers and staff felt about the double-decker. The bus’ performance was tested in a variety of ways, including its handling in extreme weather, capacity and comfort. These new double-decker buses are fully accessible, low-floor transit buses that feature high-backed seats that are very suitable for commuter transit. It can comfortably seat approximately 80 passengers, more than any other type of bus.
The County wishes to thank their partners for their support and cooperation through the pilot project. Without assistance from Alberta Transportation and the City of Edmonton they would not have been able to determine the suitability of the bus for our region. We look forward to a continued positive relationship as we move forward with the implementation of the double –decker buses into our fleet.
Strathcona County's double-decker innovation recognized by the Alberta Government
Strathcona County Transit's innovative lease and year-long test of a double decker bus has been recognized by Alberta Municipal Affairs. The Honourable Mention was announced at the recent fall conventions of Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties (AAMDC) and the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA). The on-road trial of a double-decker bus had never before been used for public transportation in the province. This project provides valuable first-hand information to aid in the final decision on whether to permanently purchase these buses for public use.
Strathcona County Transit's mission:
To provide local, intermunicipal and specialized public transit services for the community that are Customer-focused, Accessible, Reliable, Efficient and Safe (CARES).
Further information
transit@strathcona.ca
780-449-RIDE (7433)
Last updated: Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Page ID: 6562