Double-decker buses making a comeback in India

Once upon a time, double-decker buses were a majestic presence on the roads of India’s megacities, serving as a key driving force behind mass transit systems and the cultural identity of these metropolises. However, continuing its love affair with these buses, Mumbai has placed an order for 900 electric double-decker buses, which will join the city’s transport fleet in the coming months. Divided over the double-decker Speaking about the efficiency and the role of double-decker buses in transport systems across different cities, Shashi Verma, chief technology officer at Transport for London said: “Double-decker buses are a good way to increase bus capacity, which is why they make up three-quarters of London’s fleet. Embarking and disembarking is more intense because of higher capacity, so bus stops need to be clear and buses need to pull in and out more cleanly.” Verma added, “Since they are heavier, the challenge of finding batteries to run them while not burdening the bus with weight is immense… Double deckers will have a role in India in due course but there are simpler, easier, and cheaper solutions that need to be exploited first.” A fleet of electric double-decker buses was recently introduced in Hyderabad. SWITCH Mobility, the company which has delivered more than 50 electric double-decker buses to cities such as Mumbai, Hyderabad, Nagpur, and Tirupati, said that their vehicles occupy less road, terminal, and depot floor space per seated passenger, and will help drive India’s transition to a sustainable transportation system.