CHICAGO megabus.com, the intercity curbside service operated by Coach USA, has decided to nearly triple its fleet of double-decker Van Hool coaches.

Chicago-based megabus confirmed its purchasing 96 more of the Van Hool T925s, bringing its total double-deck fleet to 131 coaches. The latest order represents an investment of $60 million, making the average price of the coaches $625,000.

Meanwhile, Silverado Stages of San Luis Obispo, Calif., is adding two of the T925s to its fleet, becoming the first California operator to use the Van Hool double-deckers.

The megabus.com order stems from increased passenger demand that accelerated the company growth rate to 219 percent last year.

The coaches are being added to megabus routes in the Midwest and Northeast from now through next August.

"Based on the overwhelming popularity of our service and our commitment to provide an affordable travel alternative, megabus.com has invested in 96 new touring double-decker buses in an effort to meet the expanding customer demand," said company President and Chief Operating Officer Dale Moser.

The double-decker Van Hools carry 81 passengers and are equipped with WiFi, power outlets, reclining seats with safety belts, reading lamps, restroom and are ADA accessible.

megabus.com is fond of reminding the news media that its double-deckers have the potential to remove 81 automobiles from the highway and are among the most energy and fuel efficient ways to travel.

According to Moser, the Van Hool double-decker is 10 times more efficient than a Boeing 737 jetliner and 25 times more efficient than most single-passenger autos per passenger per mile.

The double-decker's fuel consumption per passenger per mile is .002 gallon, while a 737 is .02 gallon and a typical single-passenger car is .05 gallon.

The first of the two double-deckers going to Silverado Stages has been delivered, with the second scheduled to arrive before year end.

"We are constantly upgrading and improving our fleet to better serve our clients,² said owner Sharron Galusha. "These new coaches will allow us to continue to expand our inbound international charter business, as well as our regular charter, packaged tour and airport express services."

In addition San Luis Obispo, Silverado Stages also has terminals in Sacramento and Santa Barbara. It employs more than 150 people and operates a fleet of more than 65 motorcoaches.