Community Transit set to get new double-decker buses rolling

EVERETT — Community Transit is finally set to double up on its fleet of double-decker buses.

The transit agency ordered 22 new double-tall coaches last year and had hoped to introduce them over the summer. The first six arrived in June with structural flaws, though, and that’s pushed back the schedule.

The buses should start serving routes this week now that mechanics from the manufacturer, Alexander Dennis Ltd., have fixed defects between the first and second deck.

“The good thing is that now that summer’s over, we expect a lot more people to be riding our buses into Seattle and we’re grateful to have this extra capacity,” Community Transit spokesman Martin Munguia said. “We’ll be able to take more people than we could with the 60-foot (articulated) buses.”

Community Transit nicknamed the new buses “Double Tall,” a reference to Pacific Northwest coffee culture.

The new buses stand 13 feet, six inches high. Each cost nearly $900,000, including tax.

They add to an existing fleet of 23 double-deckers that went into service in 2011, starting with Route 413 from Lynnwood to Seattle.

Once all the new tall buses hit the streets by early next year, they will represent almost a fifth of CT’s overall fleet, CT vehicle maintenance manager Ken Bailey said.

The oldest of Community Transit’s articulated buses, which were built in 1998, are nearing the end of their expected lifespan of more than a half million miles. The agency hopes to keep the tall buses in service for at least that long.

Seventeen of the new double-deckers are intended to replace older articulated buses. Five others will represent new service, adding a combined 300 extra seats every weekday.

CT touts the tall buses over the articulated models on several fronts. For starters, they cost less to operate per passenger.

They’re also better for winter conditions. The drive wheels on the articulated buses are in the back, behind the midsection that bends.

“It’s like pushing a wet noodle,” Bailey said. “Under snowy conditions, we’d prefer not to operate them.”

The double-deckers also seat more passengers: 80 compared to 60 on the articulated models. With standing room, they can hold up to 100 people.

“These buses make sense on our commuter routes,” Munguia said.

Standard CT buses are 40 feet long and seat about 40 people.

Coach manufacturer Alexander Dennis makes iconic double-decker buses in use in London. Although based in Great Britain, the company built the new CT Double Talls at a plant in Nappanee, Indiana.

All new buses undergo inspections and significant modifications once they reach Everett. Even with no major problems, it can take a month for them to hit the road.

“It’s not like a passenger car that you buy in the showroom,” Bailey said.

At the agency’s Hardeson Road facility last week, workers outfitted the new double-deckers with equipment to read ORCA passes, computer-aided radio systems and GPS.

CT inspectors found the issues with the first half-dozen new Double Talls during routine checks, Munguia said. They were concerned with the inter deck, the structure that serves as the roof of the first-floor compartment and the floor of the second level.

“It wasn’t anything that would have been a safety issue right away; it had more to do with the long-term durability,” Munguia said.

The agency decided to fix the problem before the buses went into service, rather than pulling them out later for repairs.

Bailey said it’s common to find glitches on newly delivered buses and that Alexander Dennis has been more responsive than most manufacturers in addressing them.

CT reports that it now operates the second-largest fleet of double-decker buses in the United States. Only the transit area for the Las Vegas area has more.

Noah Haglund: 425-339-3465, nhaglund@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @NWhaglund.

Community Transit’s new double-decker buses, at a glace:

In service between now and early 2016

Built by UK manufacturer Alexander Dennis Ltd. in Nappanee, Indiana.

Each seats 80 people, with room for up to 100 with standing passengers.

Bike racks can hold three bicycles, compared to two for most bike racks on CT buses

Powered by an 8.9-liter straight-six-cylinder Cummins diesel engine.

Cost per bus: $897,508, including tax.

Federal and state grants paid for 80 percent of 17 buses that are replacing older articulated buses; CT is paying the whole cost of the other five.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Employees and patrons of the Everett Mall signed a timeline mural that traces the history of the 51-year-old indoor mall that was once considered the premier place to go shopping in the city. Thursday, March 20, 2025 (Aaron Kennedy / The Herald)
Mall mural offers nostalgic trip into the past

Past and present Everett Mall employees joined customers Thursday to view an artistic timeline of the once popular shopping mecca.

Edmonds Mayor Mike Rosen gives his State of the City address on Thursday, March 20 in Edmonds, Washington. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Edmonds mayor talks budget at 2025 State of the City

Mayor Mike Rosen discussed the city’s deficit and highlights from his first year in office.

Skimming devices reported in Everett at gas stations, ATMs

Police warn residents to check for tampering, monitor accounts for fraud.

Oliver Popa, 7, poses with his book, "Drippey Plants a Garden," on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds 7-year-old publishes children’s book featuring ‘Drippey’ the bee

Oliver Popa’s first grade teacher said he should publish a longer version of a writing assignment. A year later, his mother — a publisher — helped made it happen.

Sound Transit picks Dow Constantine as new CEO

Constantine has served as the King County Executive since 2009.

Everett mayor Cassie Franklin delivers her State of the City address on Friday, March 28 in Everett, Washington. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Everett mayor focuses on public safety in keynote address

During Cassie Franklin’s State of the City speech, she announced new police programs and a youth violence prevention directive.

North County Fire commission appoints new fire chief

Before Dave Kraski was appointed, the commission changed the requirements needed to hold the fire chief position.

Jeannie Nicholos points out some of the multi-colored marks on her office wall left by lighting that struck the outside of her home and traveled inside on Thursday, March 27, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett home hit by lightning, catches fire

Family escapes as roof burns; two other homes hit on Camano Island.

Snohomish County sheriff Susanna Johnson swears in colleagues during the ceremonial oath of office at the PUD auditorium in Everett, Washington on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Sheriff, council member elected to lead Snohomish justice council

Dunn and Johnson to co-chair as the council encourages community members to join.

Judge sets $2M bail in 1989 Everett murder case

Joseph Andrew Jacquez pleads not guilty in first court appearance after extradition from Nevada.

‘An uphill battle’: South County firefighter facing his toughest fight

Nick Jessen, 38, has stage four lung cancer, a disease disproportionately affecting his profession.

Four scams that officials say residents should watch out for

Toll scams, jury duty fraud and fake arrest warrants are among the new tactics.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.