(Photo) 400 Euro IV-standard double-decker buses ready to roll

New double-decker Euro IV-standard buses ready to roll (Photo credit: Beijing Daily)

(BEIJING, March 8) -- Commuters on the "Special 8" bus route, which circles the Third Ring Road, were the first passengers to experience a new fleet of double-decker buses on Saturday. The bus route will operate 50 of Beijing's 400 new Euro IV-standard buses, which will gradually replace older double-decker buses around the city in advance of the Olympic Games.

Measuring 12.6 meters long and four meters high, the new buses can carry 100 passengers, an increased capacity of 25 percent over their older counterparts.

More considerations regarding passenger safety were incorporated into the bus's design. For example, the staircase leading to the upper level is now positioned so that passengers will face the front of the bus on their way up. If the bus should suddenly brake as passengers come down, passengers won't have to worry about falling.

Interior of the new bus (Photo credit: Beijing Daily)

The bus's second level has an emergency button that passengers can press to call for help should the need arise.

The new buses are equipped with rotating mobile television screens, so that all passengers will be able to watch the Olympic Games this summer as they commute. There is also an area for luggage and large parcels.

In addition, the buses have advanced gearboxes, shock absorption and brake systems, and tires to improve the passenger experience. Meeting the Euro IV emissions standard, the buses will have lower levels of vehicle emissions that are harmful to the environment.