Premier Dalton McGuinty unveils new GO double decker bus

View video highlights of the unveiling

TORONTO – March 20, 2008 – GO Transit is growing bigger – and taller – with 12 new Enviro 500 double decker buses. Manufactured by Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL), they will be on the road here by the end of April 2008. Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty was joined by Minister of Transportation Jim Bradley this morning at the ceremonial unveiling of the first double decker bus to arrive at GO’s main bus facility.

A first for GO’s fleet, the double deckers can seat 78 people – 46 on the upper level and 32 on the lower level – offering 37 per cent more seating capacity than our regular highway buses. This will not only improve service on our busiest routes, but will also reduce the amount of fuel consumed and harmful emissions produced per passenger.

Customers will enjoy an exceptional view from the upper level, with reclining seats to make things even more comfortable. Features of the double deckers include individually adjustable air vents, individual reading lights, and 12V power outlets – two on the lower level and four on the upper level.

The buses are also accessible. They each have two wheelchair locations, a kneeling (lowering) feature, a powered wheelchair ramp, wide aisles and front door, and low floors.

The double deckers will run on Hwy. 403 and Hwy. 407 between Oakville GO Station and York University, with stops at Square One GO Bus Terminal and Bramalea GO Station. Our Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service along Hwy. 407 is very successful, with over 500 trips every weekday during the school year. The new buses will increase capacity to help meet demand on this busy service.

Premier McGuinty also took the opportunity to announce an additional $1- billion investment to strengthen municipal infrastructure. Learn more about the Premier's infrastructure investment announcement.

Double decker bus quick facts

• The double decker buses are manufactured by Alexander Dennis Limited, a UK-based company. There are no North American manufacturers of double decker buses.
   
• The buses’ dimensions are:
  • Length: 43 feet (13 metres)
  • Width: 8.3 feet (2.5 metres)
  • Height: 14 feet (4.3 metres)
     

• GO Transit’s standard 45-foot (13.7-metre) highway commuter bus seats 57 passengers; the double decker bus can carry 78 passengers – an increase of 21 riders or 37 per cent.
   
  • To prepare for the introduction of double decker buses, GO worked with the Ministry of Transportation, all road and fire departments from the regional and local governments along the proposed routes, representatives from 407 ETR, and the Ontario Provincial Police.
     
  • Selected routes for the double deckers have been thoroughly studied to ensure height clearance.