USA: Alexander Dennis has delivered the first two of seven Enviro500 double-deck buses for Spokane Transit Authority (STA) in the US state of Washington.
The new Enviro500 for Spokane Transit are the first buses to have been completed by Alexander Dennis’ new manufacturing partner Big Rig Manufacturing (BRM) at its newly established facility in Las Vegas. The 80,000 square foot site is dedicated to the production of Alexander Dennis range of US-specification low- and zero-emission double-deckers. Spokane Transit’s new vehicles are 42.5 feet (12.9m) long and 13.6 feet (4.1m) tall. Each bus seats 82 passengers and can accommodate up to 108, including space for two wheelchair users who can board via a powered ramp at the front door.
Over the coming months, Spokane Transit plans to focus on testing and driver training to ensure smooth integration into operations. When deployed, the double-decker buses will improve capacity and efficiency on its routes 6 and 66 between Spokane and Cheney.
“The arrival of these double-decker buses is the start of an exciting new era for Spokane Transit,” said STA Interim Co-CEO Brandon Rapez-Betty. “The contemporary design and greater capacity of these buses will not just enhance but literally elevate the transit experience for our riders and establish a new standard for public transportation in our region.”
Alexander Dennis Vice President & General Manager for North America Stephen Walsh added: “The completion and delivery of these new double-deck buses for Spokane Transit is a milestone for Alexander Dennis in North America. It adds another transit agency to the growing roster of double-deck users and marks a key moment in our partnership with Big Rig Manufacturing. With the state-of-the-art assembly in Las Vegas now fully operational, we are on track to fulfil our growing order book and further add to the 1,400 double deck buses we have sold in North America to date.”
