Navigation
User login
Double decker bus test
The "Test" that OC Transpo is doing of winter performance of the new double decker bus
is not realistic, for two reasons:
1. On the 96 route, at the time of day and direction
that each run makes, there are few chances of
picking up a full load, which would show any
delays in boarding/deboarding compared to artics,
because of 2 doors versus 3, and stairs to climb.
The only run that might get crowded is the 16:23 westbound from Hurdman.
2. Remember the Dec. 16, 2005 snowfall that
immobilized about 100 buses?
Remember that Council asked OC Transpo to
look into equipping some buses with snow tires?
OC Transpo then ASSURED us that such tires
are NOT AVAILABLE in the sizes that our
regular buses use.
Even if we get a serious snowfall during the rest of the "Test" period (unlikely since it is supposed to
remain colder than normal = no significant snow -
through next week), this Double Decker bus is equipped
with SNOW TIRES on the drive (middle) axle!
So, however it performs if we do get snow, it is not comparable with our "other" buses, since none of
them have snow tires,
(Note - for you detail freaks:
Our regular low floor buses generally use 12.5 R 22.5
The BIG bus uses 305 R 22.5, a significantly w-i-d-e-r
tire)
So, on both counts, passenger loads AND handling in snow, we are not doing a fair (fare?) test of this bus
versus our other buses!
wedding
supply in stock and custom lace front wigs, full lace wigs, lace wigs, human hair wigs, remy lace front wigs, cheap wigs, cheap, buy, celebrity
full lace wigs
lace wigs
Double decker Dwell times
One other thing that hasn't been considered is the impact on dwell times for the bus. You can increase the number of passengers, but you can't increase the number of doorway's to get them on and off.
As the number of entry and exit points to the bus is the major contributing fact to dwell time; this is not insignificant.
That also isn't taking into account the stairway which acts as a 'pinch point' for all passengers and makes the dwell time situation worse. Plus as a cautionary note, if the bus drivers in Ottawa carry on accelerating out of a stop like they normally do, most of us will end up in a heap at the bottom of the stairs. (I speak from experience!)
New Bus Test
I just received a press release a short time ago announcing a press/photo opportunity by NYC Transit & MTA Bus to test a new double decker bus in customer service. Here are the complete details:
MTA NYC Transit and MTA Bus introduce new double-decker bus into passenger service for a 35-day test. The bus combines the efficiency of high-capacity with a low-floor entry and exit.email domain hosting
WHO: Elliot G. Sander, MTA Executive Director/CEO and Joseph Smith, MTA Bus President/SVP of Buses, MTA NYC Transit.image hosting
WHAT: MTA New York City Transit and MTA Bus introduce new double-decker bus into passenger service for a 35-day test.ftp site hosting
Double Decker Busses in Victoria
I lived in Victoria for 18 months, and they used these double decker buses.
They used them (almost) exclusively on where the average rider spent a long(ger) time on the bus then normal.
Mostly stuff from Downtown to place X where place X is far out of the city.
Ones that I took were
* Downtown -> Airport
* Downtown -> Fairy terminal
* Downtown -> Sooke
They worked well I thought.
I think they would equate well with the Ottawa's Express buses (the ones that go to the small out side communities)
but I have no details on the Cost/Rider or Cost/km
or average speed of the bus...
and obviously given it was Victoria there was no snow data to compare with Ottawa.
p.s.
Victoria Transit Website
http://www.bctransit.com/regions/vic/
take into account...
They also do not take into account, the 70-536 staircase, which is a "pinch point" for all 640-816 and the residence time of the situation. Plus a note warning that the bus drivers to pick up in 70-236, with the stop, as usual, most of us will end up in a heap at the bottom of the stairs...