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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
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my apartment is right outside a 911 bus stop, and today i can confirm two sightings of this new, shall i say, party bus. it looked pretty sweet, and i even saw some dude eating his dinner on one of the tables in the back....and there were even flowers on it! next time, i'm riding it!
I saw that topless double decker last night when I was out riding my pushchair. Does it have infra heating or do you just need to wear a thick hat when you ride on it?
Saw it today at about 10:30 am at Huai Hai and Wanping. Back part of the upper deck was empty, but the front portion had some people.
I actually rode it on the 14th. Some comments:
It is taller than the other 911s, so the driver has to be even more careful of the protruding trees on the side of the rode.
The first deck has coach chairs, like a long distance bus. The ceiling is also nice and high, unlike the other 911s.
To go upstairs, there is an electric sliding door for which you have to press a button.
The chairs upstairs are pretty nice, but plastic. There is plenty of leg room. No tables.
I took it westbound. The last stop is Panyu lu, so it doesn't follow the regular 911 route. Don't know if the first stop going east is Panyu or WuKang, or even if it goes east.
Loud obnoxious cantopop.