Hail the double-deckers

Friday, Sept. 19, 2008 | 2:06 a.m.

Double-decker city buses instantly bring to mind images of cities in England, especially London. But in recent years they have become popular in many large cities around the world, including Las Vegas.

The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada started using them three years ago on the Las Vegas Strip, where high ridership by tourists made them instant hits.

Since then the RTC has been gradually introducing them on other well-traveled routes, including those along portions of Flamingo Road, Sahara and Eastern avenues, and Boulder Highway. Today, 48 of the RTC’s 130 double-decker buses are trolling these urban routes.

Las Vegas Sun reporter Joe Schoenmann spent some time recently on a double-decker serving Boulder Highway. He reported that the ride was quieter and cooler than on a standard bus, and that it felt more spacious and comfortable.

He also quoted RTC officials as saying the per-seat price of a double-decker is less than those of the other two styles of Citizens Area Transit buses in use, that operating costs are lower and that the double-deckers tend to be more fuel efficient.

Wherever ridership would justify the 14-foot-high buses, we hope the RTC uses them as older ones are replaced. It was a good idea to expand their use, especially with gas prices on the rise and with people being encouraged to fight pollution by leaving their cars at home and using public transportation.

Even leaving aside those reasons, tourists are not the only ones who deserve a more interesting and comfortable ride.