NFI subsidiary, Alexander Dennis Limited has been awarded a contract to supply 12 Enviro500EV double-decker electric buses to Foothill Transit in California.
Foothill Transit serves 22 cities in the San Gabriel and Pomona valleys in eastern Los Angeles County. These new electric buses will upgrade its Silver Streak route to downtown LA from 2026. The double-decker design of the ordered vehicles will maximise passenger capacity on this key commuter connection.
The 12 buses will join two earlier Enviro500EV pilot buses that were delivered in 2021.
The new buses will feature Alexander Dennis’s next-generation zero-emission bus platform, which combines the Voith Electrical Drive System (VEDS) with a modular battery system to offer increased energy storage and a greater range.
Stephen Walsh, Vice President for Alexander Dennis in North America, said:We are excited to once again be working Foothill Transit. After trials with two earlier Enviro500EV pilot buses, Foothill Transit’s selection of Alexander Dennis next-generation technology for its Sliver Streak route is a huge vote of confidence for us. With increased energy storage, revised drivetrain configuration and modular battery configurations, the Enviro500EV with next-generation technology will improve range and other capabilities vital to the mixed profile of inner-city roads and freeways that are features of the Silver Streak route.
This contract marks the second order for the next-generation Enviro500EV in North America, following Sound Transit’s order for 33 units earlier this month.
These orders come on the back of the manufacturer’s relaunch of Buy America-compliant production with Big Rig Manufacturing.
For Foothill Transit, this order is part of its broader strategy to modernise its fleet and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The operator has also recently acquired 33 fuel cell-electric Xcelsior CHARGE FC hydrogen-powered buses from NFI sister company, New Flyer.
Foothill Transit CEO Doran Barnes said:This investment in zero emissions technology aligns with our vision for a sustainable future. We are proud to partner with Alexander Dennis to bring these cutting-edge double-deck electric buses to our communities. This marks a significant step forward in our commitment to providing reliable, eco-friendly, and efficient transit services.
