Melbourne’s first double decker bus ready to roll

The double-decker bus is the first of its kind in the state and will operate as part of a trial. It will be operated by CDC Victoria which runs bus services in Melbourne’s western suburbs, Geelong and Ballarat.

Public Transport Users Association­ spokesman Daniel Bowen said the trial was a positive step to tackle the “bad overcrowding” on buses.

“It’s good that they’re trying it and the bus network does need larger vehicles, whether those are longer buses or double-decker buses,” Mr Bowen said.

Mr Bowen said double-deckers were a popular option in Europe and would suit Victorian bus stops. The locally built bus can carry more than 100 people and has hi-tech features including a digital display showing boarding passengers how many seats are available.

The double-decker bus was built by Volgren at a plant in Dandenong where the company is based.

The company employs 250 people in the state and exports its buses overseas. The bus’s route has yet to be confirmed.

Source: Heraldsun