TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Michael A. Hursh, General Manager
SUBJECT: Double Decker Evaluation
BRIEFING ITEM
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider receiving a report on the evaluation of the in-service double deckers with a recommendation to purchase more when funds become available.
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
Goal - Financial Stability and Resiliency
Initiative - Service Quality
Double-decker buses carry over a third more seated passengers than other high-capacity buses in the AC Transit fleet. This allows the District to provide more capacity at the same operational cost instead of adding service to meet demand. They have become a marketing tool in themselves; a passenger survey revealed half the passengers ride Transbay service more frequently because of them, and the dramatic ridership growth demonstrates this. In addition, passengers stated the buses significantly enhance Transbay service quality.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with this report. When the Transbay fleet reaches retirement age and when Regional Measure 3 funds become available for fleet expansion, staff will consider purchasing double deckers to replace and expand the Transbay fleet.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
Since December 2018, the District has operated twelve double decker buses on Transbay service every weekday. The attached report provides a full evaluation of the Alexander Dennis Enviro 500 double decker in service and makes a recommendation to purchase more for the Transbay fleet. Currently, Alexander Dennis is the only Buy America compliant manufacturer of low-height double decker buses that are height appropriate for California roadways.
Transbay service has seen rapid growth since the rebound from the Great Recession in 2013. With BART at capacity and the new Salesforce Transit Center open, AC Transit Transbay service has become a more attractive way to commute. The double deckers have only increased the attrac...
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