Shanghai's new double-decker bus

Although we haven't seen the double-decker bus in real life, we assumed that it was a tourist bus until we read that it only travels on Huai Hai Lu and only costs 2 yuan per ride. If you look closely at the picture, you can see the number '911' on the front—which is no coincidence, because the bus runs along the 911 route. It's basically a fancy version of the 911 bus. In addition to the 66 seats, large windows, and hi-fi stereo system mention in the English article (first link), a Chinese report (second link) says that the hi-fi stereo system also includes a DVD system, that some of the seats in the front can swivel 360 degrees (for better viewing), and that there are five coffee tables (茶几) in the back.

What this bus does not seem to have is a guide—we're hoping that one day Shanghai has an answer to New York's Timothy "Speed" Levitch, the quirky bus tour guide cum urban flaneur that was the subject of a 1998 documentary called Speed.

The 911 can be horrendous during rush hour, and we're guessing that this double-decker doesn't run during rush hours, when being able to cram lots of people in is a logistical necessity. On the other hand, the night time is also a good for sight-seeing. If you catch a ride on one of these, let us know.

Photo from Xinhua net.com