Community Transit

Double Deckers Excel in Snow

January 18, 2012

Double Talls carry more than articulated buses, operate in all conditions

Snohomish County, Wash. – Today’s weather forced Community Transit to limit its commuter service, but it was Double Talls for everyone. Not free coffee, but double decker buses on most commuter routes that helped get more people to their destinations.

Part of the reason Community Transit chose to buy the 42-foot double decker buses for commuter service is their ability to operate in icy conditions that often sideline articulated buses. The Double Talls, as Community Transit calls them, also carry more passengers while taking up less road space.

The double deckers went into service last spring. Snohomish County’s transit provider bought 23 of the buses to replace some of the oldest articulated buses in the commuter fleet. Ninety percent of the cost of the buses was paid for with federal and state grants.

Today’s snow meant Community Transit could only operate 40-foot standard coaches and double deckers. The Double Talls, which can carry more than 80 passengers, were able to get people to their downtown destinations with little or no slippage.

The Double Talls are designed for power and stability. They have two sets of wheels in the rear, one to supply power and the other as weight-bearers. The buses have a system that allows the driver to add pressure to the drive wheels from the weight-bearers, helping them maintain traction in the snow.

Double decker buses also are extremely stable. About 75 percent of their weight is within four feet of the ground.

Community Transit is responsible for providing transportation options for Snohomish County residents, including bus and paratransit service, vanpool and ridesharing options. Call Community Transit at (425) 353-7433 or (800) 562-1375 for bus information, or (888) 814-1300 for carpool or vanpool information, or go to www.communitytransit.org. You can also read our blog at communitytransit.blogspot.com, visit our Facebook page or see us on YouTube. Support local businesses and Community Transit when you Buy Local for Transit; read more at www.communitytransit.org/buylocal.

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