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Translink to offer elevated customer experience

By Lorraine Graves

Published 3:35 PDT, Thu August 15, 2019

Last Updated: 2:13 PDT, Wed May 12, 2021

Starting in October, customers can hop on a brand new double-decker bus when traveling through Richmond, Delta and Surrey.

Starting in October, customers can hop on a brand new double-decker bus when traveling through Richmond, Delta and Surrey. Following a successful four-month pilot, the first of 32 double-deckers on order have arrived to expand the current Translink fleet and replace aging highway coaches—providing a less crowded and more comfortable experience for customers.

The first double-deckers will service the 301 Newton Exchange/Richmond-Brighouse Station and the 620 Bridgeport/Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal. The 301 had 21 per cent more riders last year while 620 had a 14 per cent increase in riders.

The third route, 555 Lougheed Station/Carvolth Exchange saw a million riders last year. Their double-decker will be added January 2020.

Customers travelling on a double-decker will benefit from:

-Almost double the seats of a highway coach

-Plug-in USB charging outlets

-Panoramic views from the upper deck

-A wide, well-lit staircase with handrails to maximize safety

-A screen allowing customers to see vacant seats before going upstairs

-Full accessibility with a low floor and boarding ramp

Translink’s Lida Paslar says traditional bus etiquette applies.

 “Let passengers exit first. Form an orderly line when boarding the bus. And, remove your backpack.”

The additional courtesies to remember on the new double-deckers, Paslar says are, “If you’re travelling with any luggage, please stay on the lower deck.”

Also, before heading up, you can tell if there’s any room upstairs.

“There’s a little screen before get on the stairs that tells you how many seats are vacant on the top deck.”

“Modern efficient public transit infrastructure plays an important role in building strong sustainable communities,” said the Hon. François-Philippe Champagne, federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “These new double-decker buses will help Metro Vancouver meet immediate needs and provide convenient, accessible transportation options that will improve the quality of life for residents today and contribute to a greener future.”

For your first chance to board a double-decker, check it out at TransLink’s PNE exhibit from Aug. 17 to Sept. 2. There, you can tour the exhibit which also includes an immersive Virtual Reality experience, a 3D animated model “MicroCity” of Vancouver, and much more.

Of the new double-deckers, Paslar says, “The view is pretty great up top. If you can get there, I encourage you to step up to take in the panoramic views up there.”

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