NSW: Double-decker buses up for consideration again in Sydney

AAP General News (Australia)
04-29-2008
NSW: Double-decker buses up for consideration again in Sydney

SYDNEY, April 29 AAP - The NSW government says it will consider bringing double-decker
buses back to Sydney streets, almost two years after the idea was slated by transport
operators.

In a statement issued today, Transport Minister John Watkins said the government would
"consider purchasing" state-of-the-art double-decker buses.

In June two years ago, the return of double-decker buses was promoted by bus operators
as a way to carry more passengers without increasing the number of buses causing congestion
on Sydney's streets.

At the time, Mr Watkins said he was "happy to have a look" at the proposal.

After recently inspecting a double-decker model bus from Hong Kong, Mr Watkins today
again raised the possibility of using them in Sydney.

"Double deckers have a special place in the hearts of Sydneysiders and if they are
the right solution for our bus operators then we'll certainly consider them," Mr Watkins
said today.

"The last time they were used in Sydney, over 20 years ago, they were not a great model
bus and had some reliability problems, but the one I inspected was state of the art and
would fit within a modern bus fleet."

The "re-announcement" drew criticism from the NSW opposition, which said Mr Watkins
had considered double-decker buses twice before.

"With a series of negative headlines this week highlighting John Watkins' incompetence
as transport minister, he's desperately reached into his bag of tricks and re-announced
the possible return of double-decker buses," opposition transport spokeswoman Gladys Berejiklian
said in a statement.

"The Iemma government has become an expert at the re-announcement. If only they were
as good at actually delivering the promises contained in their media releases."

The double-decker models being considered by the government can carry 120 passengers,
are air-conditioned, have ramps, and are low-floored for wheelchair access.

"The company claims that three double-decker buses are roughly the same length as two
bendy buses, but can carry around twice as many passengers," Mr Watkins said.

"These buses are most suited to the long-haul routes such as into the city from the
Hills District and I believe some private (operators) have expressed an interest in this
particular model type."

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