A DOUBLE-decker commuter bus soon to be seen on the streets of Adelaide could be the first of a new public transport fleet.
The State Government is preparing to bring an 88-seat, two-tiered Scandia bus with almost twice the capacity of a regular 47-seat vehicle to the city in July.
Articulated "bendy" buses now in use across Adelaide cater for 67 passengers each.
The Government says the double-decker buses could improve access to services at times of peak demand and reduce the overall costs of registration and insurance.
Trial routes for the double decker bus are yet to be determined and the government says they will depend on clearance heights and other issues related to servicing and accreditation.
TELL US: A good idea for Adelaide? Or too expensive?
Transport Services Minister Chloe Fox said the 4.3m-high buses, which fit 55 people on the top deck and 33 more below, were able to operate on the South Eastern Freeway and through the CBD.
"This additional seating capacity will allow Adelaide Metro to move more people, particularly during peak services. Overseas experience has also found that double-decker buses have been very successful in enticing people back to public transport," she said.
Priced at about $700,000, the double-decker model is fully airconditioned, and has disability access and an option for wifi.
A standard bus costs about $450,000.
The success of the trial will be measured by the vehicle's performance against such benchmarks as running costs, reliability and passenger responses, the government says.
However, the trial is not due to commence until after the March state election and the Opposition has been highly critical of the government's management of the bus network, including the failure of services to meet timetables and contract disputes.
Ms Fox said she expected double-deckers to be a "welcome addition" to the existing bus fleet.
"If the trial is successful, Adelaide Metro will begin contract negotiations to determine whether a local manufacturer is able to supply the new double decker," she said.
Government figures show about 80 per cent of the city's public transport travel is on buses.
Commuters can from Monday for the first time purchase a new 28-day unlimited Metrocard travel pass as part of a restructure of public transport fees aimed at saving travellers money.
On Sunday, Transport and Infrastructure Minister Tom Koutsantonis announced electric wires along the full length of the Noarlunga line had been switched on.
The first passenger services on the upgraded electric line would commence next month, he said.
Last year, the Government announced a progressive roll out of new ticketing prices.
The 28-day card costs $114, compared with a total $131.60 expense for 40 regular weekday trips.
Cheaper travel on Sunday and public holidays has already been enforced.
Tourist travel cards and further 28-day ticket discounts are to be delivered in coming months.
Passengers can also now get access to real-time internet access to the location of services.
