Aucklanders could be commuting on double-decker buses as soon as this year.
Two operators are considering bringing in the buses, with NZ Bus evaluating a British vehicle that could be assembled in Tauranga.
Auckland Transport says trials are needed and some regulations may have to be altered to allow the much larger double-deckers into service.
The agency says a double-decker could carry 70% more passengers than a conventional bus.
About three-quarters of Auckland public transport trips are by bus, and the agency says double deckers would be ideal for high-frequency, high-patronage routes such as the northern busway or Dominion Road.
