Shanghai Daily/ Dong Zhen

Big things were expected for the city's first open-topped double-decker bus when it made its debut on February 8, Shanghai Daily reported.

But a poor response from both locals and tourists has seen the operating company go back to the drawing board. The answer, it seems, is to broaden the bus's route to take in more city sights.

The Bashi Group, a major public bus provider, initially earmarked Route No. 911, along Huaihai Road between Longmen Road and Fanyu Road stations, for the double-decker.

The feeling was that showcasing that area of the city would be a natural attraction, particularly for visitors. The lack of patronage has surprised bus company officials.

The 66-seat open-topped bus has been running nine times daily since its launch, but 80 percent of seats remain empty.

"During weekends or holidays, there are more riders, a lot of whom are parents travelling with their kids," said a bus attendant.

"I find the open-topped bus is a big attraction for children," said Ling Hua, a public servant and a daily commuter.

The Bashi Group is now considering a much wider route, taking in touist zones, such as the Bund, Nanjing Road and the Jing'an Temple area.