WOODBRIDGE — Apparently, people liked riding to work on a double-decker bus.
In April, OmniRide temporarily added a double-decker bus to its fleet and conducted an eight-day test run on several different routes, including a route from Gainesville to Washington D.C.
In exchange for a free ride, passengers on these runs were asked to fill out a multi-question survey on what they thought about the bus. The questions ranged from how the bus looked to the comfort the seats and the overall ride.
The transit agency sought feedback from riders as it considers making these types of busses a permanent addition to its fleet.
The results are in and this is what the public had to say about their experience.
According to Omnicide’s survey, 79% of riders favored the addition of these double-decker buses to the fleet. Only 18% of riders shared no opinion or were undecided about their experience and 3% of riders were not favorable towards the buses.
 Some of the positives that were recorded by the survey are as follows:
-  It holds more people so the trips won’t be overcrowded
- Â The view is nice
- Â The bus is unique
 There were also negatives that were recorded by the survey, these include:
- The ride on the lower deck wasn’t as smooth as with other Omniride buses
- The seats felt cramped
- The bus lacks overhead storage
- The upper deck ceiling is too low for tall people
“If OmniRide decided to purchase double deck buses in the future, some of these negative reactions could be addressed by, for example, changing the seat type. But other factors, such as the height of the ceiling, couldn’t be changed,” said OmniRide spokeswoman Christine Rodrigo.
Omniride has been searching for alternatives to improve their service and was approached by Alexander Dennis, a British bus building company based in Scotland with a manufacturing plant in Indiana.
Dennis provided Omniride with their “SuperLo” model, a 12 feet 10-inch tall vehicle that is 45 feet long and can hold up to 81 passengers. They have long been a fixture on the streets of London and have since made their way to the U.S. and Canada, being used for tourist transport as well as mass transit systems.
Should OmniRide choose to go with this option, each bus would cost $1 million, nearly double the cost of a bus in the transit agency’s current fleet of 57 passenger MCI buses with a price tag of $600,000 each. Add to the cost midlife overhauls costing another $250,000 which extends the bus’ lifespan to about 16 years.
OmniRide officials have questioned whether a midlife overhaul for the double-decker buses could expand their life span as well which could potentially justify their purchase if they can have a similar lifespan and carry more passengers.
These factors, as well as maintenance, fuel consumption, and training, will be taken into account in their cost/benefit analysis as the transit agency takes the next step to see if the buses would be a good fit for OmniRide.
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Due to frigid temperatures forecasted for tonight, schools in the region are adjusting their schedules to ensure the safety of students and staff:
Stafford County Public Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay Thursday, January 23, 2025.
Spotsylvania County Public Schools will also open two hours late. Twelve-month and essential employees are expected to report on time, as safety permits. All other employees should report two hours late.
King George County Schools will follow suit, with a 2-hour delay.
Janet Brown was appointed Stafford County’s citizen representative to the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board following a unanimous vote by the Board of Supervisors during their January 21, 2025, meeting. Brown’s appointment comes as the county looks to strengthen ties with the regional library system and improve its collaborative efforts to enhance library services.
Brown, a longtime Stafford resident and active community member, brings a wealth of experience in civic engagement and public service. “I am honored to represent Stafford County and look forward to working with the library board to ensure our community has access to the best resources and services,” Brown stated following her appointment. Her term will begin immediately.
The appointment follows a challenging period for the county’s relationship with the library board. During the same meeting, Chairman Deuntay Diggs issued a public apology to former library board member Mary Becelia, who was removed from her position under allegations of misconduct.
Meet Daphne, a sweet 2-year-old pup with a personality that’s as fun as it is adorable! Daphne came to the Spotsylvania Animal Shelter as a stray, and while she was a bit reserved at first, she’s now blossomed into a lively, energetic, and curious girl who loves attention.
This lovable dog walks wonderfully on a leash and enjoys exploring the outdoors. She’s eager to learn new things and thrives on positive interactions with people. While Daphne is quiet and calm in her kennel, her excitement is evident every time someone walks by—she’s always ready for a chance to play and explore outside.
If you’re looking for a loyal and energetic companion to brighten your days, Daphne could be the perfect fit.
Visit her during adoption hours at the Spotsylvania Animal Shelter, located in Fredericksburg, Virginia, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit their website at Spotsylvania Animal Shelter.
Help Daphne find the loving home she deserves—stop by today!
Join the fun at the Manassas Winter Market on Saturday, January 25, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Prince William Street Commuter Lot in Historic Downtown Manassas. Shop for baked goods, fresh produce, warm beverages, and other seasonal delights while supporting local vendors. The market runs every Saturday through March 22, making it the perfect spot to stock up your pantry and enjoy cozy winter vibes.
Do you have an upcoming event to share? Submitting it to our community events calendar is easy and free! Just fill out our event submission form at this link. Include all the essential details, and we’ll help spread the word about your event to our readers.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
