Alexander Dennis Opens Enviro Bus Manufacturing Center

NFI Group manufacturing company Alexander Dennis has opened a new facility to make Enviro500 double-decker buses in Las Vegas.

Alexander Dennis, which is NFI’s U.S.-based manufacturing entity, will own and operate the Las Vegas manufacturing facility. The company invested $15.3 million to accelerate its production of double-deck buses for the North American market.

Two of those first 10 Enviro500 double deckers are going to the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, which manages mass transit for the Las Vegas valley region. The two vehicles from the fleet will boost RTC’s transit fleet on its Deuce on The Strip route.

“The grand opening of the Alexander Dennis manufacturing facility is a proud moment for Southern Nevada and a testament to the power of strategic partnerships,” said MJ Maynard-Carey, CEO of the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, in a statement. “As the only site in the country building double-decker buses, this facility not only supports the RTC’s mission to provide safe, efficient, and innovative transit solutions, but it also brings quality jobs and economic investment to our region. We’re thrilled to celebrate this milestone and the continued collaboration that helps keep Southern Nevada moving forward.”

The Enviro500 buses for RTC Transit are 42’ 5’’ (12.9m) long and 13’ 6’’ (4.115m) tall and have capacity for 100 passengers. 51 seats on the upper deck are easily accessed through two staircases, while the lower deck provides 15 more fixed seats, 7 tip-up seats, and spaces for two wheelchair users.

Alexander Dennis plan to produce one bus per week on its manufacturing line. Enviro500 buses can run on battery electric or hybrid-electric drivetrains.

Last week, RTC of Southern Nevada ordered 46 40-foot Xcelsior transit buses from NFI’s New Flyer division. Those buses are fueled by compressed natural gas.