Alexander Dennis has taken an order for seven examples of its Enviro500 tri-axle double-decker from Spokane Transit in the United States.
Production of the buses will be handled by Big Rig Manufacturing as part of a recently-agreed partnership between the Las Vegas-based business and Alexander Dennis.
They are to be delivered to the Pacific Northwest operator in 2025 and will be supported by the manufacturer’s own staff, as well as through the wider NFI Parts organisation. Renderings generated by Alexander Dennis show that they will be equipped with front-mounted bike racks.
Each Enviro500 will seat 84 and they will be used on Spokane Transit’s Cheney Line via the primary 6 and 66 services. Those link traffic generators including Eastern Washington University, downtown Spokane, a park-and-ride site, and the University District.
CEO E. Susan Meyer says that the transit agency “is thrilled to add the iconic double-deckers to our fleet.” She adds: “These new buses, along with Eagle Station and Four Lakes Station, complete the Cheney Line investments promised in STA Moving Forward, the organisation’s current 10-year plan.”
Alexander Dennis has delivered over 1,200 Enviro500 double-deckers in North America, with the model to be found in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. That line-up includes a handful of battery-electric Enviro500EV examples.
Vice-President North America Stephen Walsh says: “We are delighted to add Spokane Transit to the roster of transit agencies that value the benefits of double-deck buses, including their unrivalled passenger capacity on a compact road footprint.
“Commuters will enjoy great views from the top deck and a comfortable ride, taking public transportation to the next level.”
