Community Transit to buy 23 double-decker buses for daily commutes

Community Transit will buy 23 double-decker buses to carry growing numbers of riders from Snohomish County to their jobs in Seattle, the agency announced this morning.

The $18 million deal will be signed with Alexander Dennis of Scotland, which has an assembly plant in Southern California, said CT spokesman Tom Pearce. Buses would be delivered in two years.

The Everett-based agency has one double-decker bus now.

At nearly $800,000 per bus, the double-deckers cost more than a typical bus. But with 70 seats plus standing room, three double-deckers can carry as many people as four typical articulated buses, saving on fuel and repairs, Pearce said.

Transit-board members are seeking an $8 million federal grant to help cover the purchase, and final approval is expected in May.

Ridership on Community Transit increased last year by 10 percent, to a total 11 million trips. Of its 64 routes, 30 go into Seattle.

Community Transit is the second agency in the U.S. to buy modern, two-level buses, said Pearce. Las Vegas launched a double-decker service in 2005. Double-decker buses are used extensively in London and Hong Kong.

Mike Lindblom: 206-515-5631 or mlindblom@seattletimes.com