Shanghai's open-air double-decker buses bid farewell to passengers

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Shanghai's fleet of open-topped double-decker sightseeing buses is saying goodbye to passengers after new safety standards of convertible transport were introduced. This prompted a surge in the number of tourists and local residents who rushed to queue for hours to enjoy one last open-air bus tour of the city's bustling Bund area.

People queue to enjoy one of the last open-topped double-decker bus tours of the bustling Bund area in Shanghai, September 12, 2023. /IC

The current fleet of convertible double-deckers was put into operation in 2010. Since their operational life was due to finish at the end of September, and because open-air double-decker buses are no longer in production due to concerns over passenger safety, these eight red buses will be the last of their kind to tour the downtown tourism sights in the megacity.

People enjoy an open-topped tour in a convertible double-decker bus in the bustling Bund area of Shanghai, September 12, 2023. /IC

Shanghai imported double-deckers from the UK as early as in 1934, making it the first city in East Asia to operate them. At the time, the buses could carry up to 82 passengers – 38 seats in the upper deck, and 32 seats on the lower deck, alongside 12 additional standing positions. And their huge stainless steel bodies became a popular platform for carrying advertising.

People enjoy an open-air bus tour on a convertible double-decker bus in the bustling Bund area of Shanghai, September 12, 2023. /IC

In the 1940s, the engines of the buses were disassembled for military use and the double-deckers stepped down from the stage of history temporarily. They reappeared in Shanghai in 1993 where they have mainly been used for sightseeing tours. In recent years, the convertible buses became a popular choice for young lovers to make marriage proposals.

A passenger poses for photos on top of a convertible bus during a tour of the bustling Bund area in Shanghai, September 12, 2023. /IC

Double-deckers with closed roofs are still permitted to operate in the city. Bus lines operating on the loop around Lujiazui even offer snacks and drinks to passengers during sightseeing tours.