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Double Tall Buses

Where is the Double Tall?
Community Transit began leasing one double-decker bus in July 2007 to explore how such a vehicle might fit into the agency's future. Passengers love the bus, and so does Community Transit.

The leased bus went back to the manufacturer at the end of 2009, but 23 new Double Tall coaches have been ordered by Community Transit and will be put into service in mid- 2010.
View From the Top

In an order designed to perk up Snohomish County commuters, Community Transit has purchased 23 double decker buses to replace an equal number of 60-foot articulated buses that are nearing the end of their service life. The new buses are currently being constructed to Community Transit's specifications.

"Aside from the great views on The Double Tall, this bus can hold more passengers than a 60-foot bus while taking up less roadspace," said Joyce Eleanor, Community Transit CEO. "The smaller footprint also means it takes up less room on downtown Seattle streets and less space at our operating base."

Community Transit leased the first Double Tall bus in 2007 to study its performance on the agency’s routes and gauge public opinion. The bus scored well in both measures and the lease was extended through 2009.

"This is a sturdy, dependable bus that performs well in all weather conditions," Eleanor said. "I have never received more enthusiastic compliments about a bus in my 30 years in the transit industry than I have about The Double Tall. People love it!"

The new double decker buses will arrive in mid-2010 in conjunction with the renovation of Community Transit's Kasch Park Operating Base. The project is necessary to add more parking as well as upgrade facilities in order to accommodate the Double Tall fleet.
Twice as Smart

The double decker can seat 73 and accommodate 90 passengers total in the same footprint as a 40-passenger bus. This means it will take less fuel to transport more passengers while taking up less space on the road... an important advantage given the ever-increasing traffic in the region.

What else is there to get excited about when it comes to The Double Tall?

  • The view! The bus stands 14 feet tall, providing riders a spectacular view from the upper deck.
  • The comfort! All seats are spaced 31 inches from hip-to-knee (regular commuter bus seats are 28.5 inches) and will have an overhead reading light, air vent and stop request button.
  • The safety! The Double Tall is outfitted with Community Transit's standard security camera system that records all activity on the bus. In addition, a driver viewing system allows the operator to view the stairway, the rear of the coach and passengers on both decks as well as outside along the curb side of the bus.
  • The savings! The Double Tall has an 11 percent lower fuel cost and a 26 percent smaller annual maintanance cost than an articulated bus.
  • The reliability! The manufacturer - Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) - is Great Britain's leading manufacturer of double decker buses. In fact, there are more than 4,000 ADL double deckers in service in Hong Kong. When Community Transit decided to acquire a double decker, we went with the industry leader.
Facts About The Double Tall
  • Bus Model: Enviro 500
  • Manufacturer: Alexander Dennis Limited
  • Height: 14 ft
  • Weight: 51,000 lbs
  • Length: 42 ft
  • Weight distribution: 70 percent of weight is contained just above floor level on the lower deck
  • Capacity: 73 seats, with lower deck standing room for up to 20 passengers
  • Hip-to-knee room: 31 inches
  • Double deckers in U.S. transit: Las Vegas is the only other U.S. city with double decker buses in regular transit operation