At 8:30 in the morning of August 18th, Yichang’s double-decksightseeing busLine 1 began its pilot run. The big buses are eye-catching on the street with their painted pagoda, Three Gorges Dam, Tribe of the Three Gorges, fishing boats and waves characteristic of Yichang’s tourism. It is learned that Line 1，for both sightseeing and transportation, connects the city’s major urban scenic spots on both sides of the Yangtze River through Yiling Yangtze River Bridge and Zhixi Yangtze River Bridge, covers the urban main roads and has filled the gap in the tourist services of the city.

　　It is also learned that Yichang Bus Group invested 1.5 million yuan this time on the purchase of the two big buses, which are 12 meters long, 4.2 meters high and 2.6 meters wide, with 58 upholstered seats as well as a panoramic sunroof on the top deck. The vehicles, made of NVH mute technology, have been equipped with a GPS intelligent dispatching system, automotive multimedia and 100 wirelessinterpretation systems. And now their drivers and conductors are receiving relevant training.

　　According to Li Wang, director of the operation and development department of Yichang Bus Group, the newly bought buses, of a gas-electric hybrid type, are more environment-friendly and energy-saving. They will formally come into use on Sept.1st and operate on Line 1 which connects eight scenic spots: Junyao Plaza, Shuangting square of Binjiang Park, Yichang Retreat Memorial Park, Tianran Tower, Yichang Planning Exhibition Hall, Yichangdong Station, Moji Mountain and Zhengjiangge. The relevant information like stops, fare and ticket purchase is in the planning and will be released in advance.(Correspondent: Zhang Wei; Reporter: Zhu Yun)