The city of Ostrava’s plan to transport tourists between the zoo and the Lower Vítkovice area using two blue double-decker buses has been put on hold. The buses were custom-made for the city at a cost of CZK 29 million and were put into service at the end of 2020, but had to be withdrawn from service due to issues with rust and leaks. The Ostrava Transport Company (DPO), which operates the buses, has sent them to a production plant in Spain for complaint repairs. The company is hoping that the buses will be returned in time for the third season of line 88.

According to DPO spokeswoman Tereza Šnoblová, the complaint repairs involve addressing defects in the paintwork, as well as local corrosion and leaks in the driver’s cab. The double-decker buses have started to rust in many places, and the leaks have caused problems for the drivers.

The Ostrava double-decker buses are powered by natural gas and have 68 seats. They were designed to operate on line 88, which connects the zoo and the Lower Vítkovice area with two of Ostrava’s most populous districts: Jihem and Poruba. During weekdays, the buses also run on line 78 between the industrial zone in Hrabová and Poruba. In addition, the buses can be rented for school trips.

Despite the issues with the double-decker buses, the DPO had a successful 2021 season of line 88. The line experienced a surge in demand, unlike the previous year when the coronavirus epidemic was at its peak. The DPO is hoping to build on this success in the upcoming season and is counting on the buses’ seasonal deployment on line 88.

The rusting of the buses has highlighted the importance of regular maintenance and inspection of vehicles. In addition to addressing defects in the paintwork and local corrosion, routine maintenance can prevent issues from becoming more significant and causing more significant problems. By investing in regular inspections and maintenance, transport companies can ensure that their vehicles operate safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns and accidents.

Article by Prague Forum