USA
Alexander Dennis will introduce its next-generation electric technology to North America following its launch in the UK and the Asia-Pacific region, and has already confirmed an order for 33 buses.
Sound Transit, which provides regional transit in the Seattle metropolitan area, has placed an order for 33 zero-emission Enviro500EV double-deckers, which are scheduled for delivery in 2026. They will be built in the United States by Alexander Dennis’ partner Big Rig Manufacturing.
The electric buses will serve the new Stride bus rapid transit (BRT) which Sound Transit is developing along Interstate 405 to link communities north, east and south of Lake Washington to one another and to light rail connections.
The operator was an early adopter of the benefits of double-deck buses in the US and today uses a fleet of 50 Enviro500s on express routes out of Everett, where it says the double-deckers are a firm favourite with passengers. Used on the 19-mile S1 and 20-mile S2 routes, where new bus lanes and transit priority improvements will help riders avoid traffic, the company says thay passengers enjoy the comfort and ride quality of the buses.
The Stride Enviro500EVs will be the first Alexander Dennis buses in North America to use the manufacturer’s next-generation zero-emission technology platform, and combine the Voith Electrical Drive System with increased energy storage capacity, and add the North American industry-first use of wireless, inductive on-route charging on double-deck buses, via Pennsylvania-based InductEV, to enhance range and operational performance.
Vice President for Alexander Dennis in North America Stephen Walsh said: “We are excited to once again be working with our long-standing customer Sound Transit in the Puget Sound region who have selected our Enviro500EV with next-generation technology for their new Stride bus rapid transit service. This contract award highlights the resurging demand for our double deck buses in North America following the relaunch of Buy America-compliant production with Big Rig Manufacturing.
“The order was placed after we completed extensive route mapping exercises in conjunction with Sound Transit, using automotive-grade modelling to fully understand the operational requirements. This ensures that the Enviro500EV will take Stride in their stride and give riders a smooth journey experience.”
