Ostrava’s Double-Decker Buses have Arrived
POSITIV 3/2020 23
The buses are four meters tall, their bottom fl oors sport
A/C systems (including the driver’s cabin), a mechanical
platform for physically disabled passengers, and wifi
for both fl oors. They will begin service on the 88 line
between the Ostrava Zoo and Dolní Oblast Vítkovice.
“Our double-decker buses are unique, designed
specifi cally according to Ostrava’s requirements. They
are CNG-powered, so they will not put that much
of a hamper on air pollution and will contain fi rst-class
equipment on par with the rest of our vehicle fl eet,”
says the chairman of the board of directors and general
manager of DPO Daniel Morys. Each bus will cost DPO
about 14.5 million CZK.
The buses are now stationed at the Scania enterprise
in Paskov awaiting their fi nal touches, which include
on-board, check-in and camera system installations and
their homologation process, which is necessary for the
service of any vehicle on public roads. DPO will take
the vehicles over in about two months.
The double-decker buses were initially expected to see
service on July 1, 2020. The Spanish branch of Scania had
to face delays in their production, however, due to the
coronavirus pandemic. “The double-decker buses will be
in full use by fall. They will be in service over the weekends
as well as Czech and Polish holidays on the line between
the Ostrava Zoo and DOV. During regular service days,
they will also be assigned to other lines or be available
for private transport,” Morys added.