What’s with the double-deckers in Victoria?
Well, we all know that Vancouver Island is one of the most environmentally savvy cities in the country, and we also know that we are always willing to try new things. And so, when we were presented with the opportunity to take on double-decker busses as a form of transportation that would be more sustainable, but also more fun – there was no way we were going to pass that up! Allow me to explain…
Back in 2000, BC was given the chance to buy up modern double-decker busses from the UK to use in our regional transit systems. Victoria and Kelowna were the pilot cities in this venture, and thank goodness we were! The busses quickly became popular amongst commuters and tourists alike. The current count is 62 for these extra tall transporters in Victoria, with only 69 in the province (the remaining 7 running in Kelowna). The regional busses are used for high traffic routes which typically run to and from the University of Victoria, or out from downtown to areas like Sidney by the Sea.
So what’s the hype with double-decker busses? Inquiring minds need to know. It’s straight up mathematics. A standard sized regional transit bus can hold up to 70 riders. A double-decker alternative can take on 102 riders. And here’s the kicker – both the single deck and the double-deckers create the same number of emissions regardless of their size difference. Lower greenhouse gases, more exciting bus rides = happy campers! Yay!
Other provinces are following our lead, with double-decker busses popping up in Ottawa, Toronto, and Strathcona County (AB), and Edmonton.
photo: carnival.com
Of course, you don’t think of double-decker busses without thinking of Victoria’s tourism culture. Victoria’s Hop-On Hop-Off busses are the epitome of Old England, with open air upper decks, and fire engine red paint. If you haven’t had a chance to check them out yet, you most certainly should. I myself have lived in Victoria for 6 years, and just last summer went on the Hop-On Hop-Off tour twice. It’s fun being a tourist in your own town, and it’s a great activity with out-of-town guests!
What are your thoughts on double-deckers on the Island? Let us know @VictoriaHype on Facebook!