AC Transit to test London-style Double Decker Buses (San Francisco: 2015, safe)

[18Montclair]

Great idea.

AC Transit Launching Double-Decker Bus Pilot Program, Passengers Ride Free « CBS San Francisco

[silverkris]

That would be great in terms of increasing passenger carrying capacity - but route planning and deployment may be restricted to routes where there are insufficiently low overpasses or other height restrictions (e.g. overhead electrical cables for Muni streetcars in SF) exist.

[rah]

Muni tried this too several years ago, but rejected it after running test buses for a while. I remember hearing/reading some people complain that they thought it was unsafe to have a large area of the bus that the driver couldn't see, but I don't know what the reason for rejecting them was. Wikipedia says there was also some concern for dwell times, as it would take longer to load/unload passengers. I wonder what's different with AC transit that makes them an option?

[jade408]

Originally Posted by rah

Muni tried this too several years ago, but rejected it after running test buses for a while. I remember hearing/reading some people complain that they thought it was unsafe to have a large area of the bus that the driver couldn't see, but I don't know what the reason for rejecting them was. Wikipedia says there was also some concern for dwell times, as it would take longer to load/unload passengers. I wonder what's different with AC transit that makes them an option?

It looks like AC Transit is deploying on the core and Transbay routes. Most of these routes travel mostly on larger wider streets so height issues should not be significant. And there are not tight turns. On a Transbay route offboarding will not be as much of an issue as there is more stop consolidation.

[dalparadise]

Good idea. Golden Gate Transit should follow suit to/from Marin.

[neutrino78x]

Originally Posted by dalparadise

Good idea. Golden Gate Transit should follow suit to/from Marin.

I always wondered why the Golden Gate Bridge was not designed to accommodate trains.

[bay2bay]

I'm fine with it as long as they have the padded coach seating, over head luggage racks, reading lights, and air conditioning like they have on the new green buses they have in the transbay fleet.

[dalparadise]

Originally Posted by neutrino78x

I always wondered why the Golden Gate Bridge was not designed to accommodate trains.

No. Just no.

[jade408]

Originally Posted by neutrino78x

I always wondered why the Golden Gate Bridge was not designed to accommodate trains.

The Bay Bridge did, But they got removed.

[sav858]

Originally Posted by neutrino78x

I always wondered why the Golden Gate Bridge was not designed to accommodate trains.

When Marin County was being considered for BART service originally I believe that is how trains were suppose to get there, using a modified lower deck of the GGB to run a rail line.