Double-decker motor coaches common in Europe, but unfamiliar to intercity travelers in the United States before September, will be introduced today on Megabus.com's route through Toledo, the bus line announced.

The 79-seat buses offer increased seating capacity on the more successful routes on Megabus.com's Midwestern network.

The run between Chicago and Cleveland with a stop at Toledo's Southwyck Shopping Center has been among the more popular, Dale Moser, president and chief operating officer of Megabus.com, said yesterday.

About 10,000 passengers have ridden in each direction between Toledo and Chicago since service began 15 months ago, Mr. Moser said.

About 1,200 have boarded the Cleveland-bound buses, and 1,300 have ridden to Toledo from Cleveland. The three daily buses each way also carry through passengers between Cleveland and Chicago.

"The route absolutely has been trending very nicely in the last six months," Mr. Moser said.

The buses are of a proven European design and conform to United States safety standards. Despite being about 15 to 16 inches taller than conventional buses, they ride low and are more stable, Mr. Moser said.

A baggage compartment is at the rear, instead of beneath the seats, as on a single-level bus.

"The view from upstairs is really impressive," Mr. Moser said, and all seats are first-come, first-seated.

Megabus.com, a subsidiary of CoachUSA, which in turn is owned by a British company, offers $1 fares on a specific number of seats on its buses for those who book travel in advance.

After $1 seats sell out, fares rise incrementally until a particular trip is full. A check of Megabus.com fares from Toledo for several upcoming dates produced one-way fare quotes of up to $37 for Chicago trips and $25 for Cleveland trips.

"Once you consider gas, tolls, and parking, it's still a good-value-for-your-money deal," Mr. Moser said.

The bus line accepts reservations only via the Internet and does not sell tickets to walk-up passengers. It also does not operate bus stations, choosing instead to have its buses stop in public places like Southwyck or Union Station in Chicago.

Mr. Moser said he has not received any complaints about parking at Southwyck. His company's buses stop at the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority commuter lot there, which lacks any security provisions for overnight parking.

Contact David Patch at:

dpatch@theblade.com

or 419-724-6094.

First Published December 14, 2007, 10:48 a.m.