Victoria Celebrates 20 Years of Double Decker Buses
Transit System: Victoria
2 December 2020
VICTORIA – This year marks the 20th anniversary of double decker buses in the Victoria Regional Transit System. BC Transit is acknowledging the impact of these buses on the region, and the forthcoming retirement of the first 10 that entered service, with a number of planned activities.
On August 1, 2000, 10 double deckers rolled into service and since then, have collectively logged more than 11 million kilometres. These were the first double decker transit buses in North America and BC Transit now has 67 in the fleet, providing safe, reliable and efficient travel for people across the region.
The original 10 are nearing retirement and to celebrate these iconic buses, BC Transit has produced a video series called Tales from the Top Deck, which will be shared on social media over the next two weeks.
One of the original buses will also soon hit the streets in the original design and colour scheme, giving riders the chance to step back in time and relish the rich history of double decker buses in the Victoria Regional Transit System.
The retiring buses will be replaced by new double deckers early in 2021.
“A strong public transit system gets people where they need to go. Not only are Greater Victoria’s double deckers iconic – and fun to ride – their increased capacity gets more people out of their cars. Congratulations to BC Transit and Victoria Regional Transit Commission on this milestone.”
Rob Fleming – Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
Aaron Lamb, Vice President, Asset Management and Chief Sustainability Officer
“When the double deckers entered service 20 years ago, we knew they would be great high capacity buses that could get more customers where they needed to be. What we didn’t realize was how much the community would fall in love with them. The double decker bus has become part of the fabric of Victoria and now it’s hard to imagine this city and region without them.”
Susan Brice, Chair, Victoria Regional Transit Commission
