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

Community Transit plans to 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 Everett-based agency has one double-decker bus now.

The purchase is expected to cost $18 million, and the buses would be delivered in two years. 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, Community Transit spokesman Tom 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