Sound Transit orders 33 Enviro500EV battery-electric double deck buses from NFI subsidiary Alexander Dennis

LARBERT, United Kingdom, Feb. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (TSX: NFI, OTC: NFYEF, TSX: NFI.DB) NFI Group Inc. (“NFI” or the “Company”), a leading independent bus and coach manufacturer and a leader in electric mass mobility solutions, subsidiary Alexander Dennis Limited (“Alexander Dennis”) today announced that Sound Transit, which provides regional transit in the Seattle metropolitan area, has placed a firm order for 33 zero-emission Enviro500EV buses. The double deck buses for Sound Transit are scheduled for delivery in 2026 by Alexander Dennis Incorporated, the U.S. affiliate of Alexander Dennis, and will be built in the United States by Alexander Dennis’ partner Big Rig Manufacturing.

The order will be the introduction of Alexander Dennis’ next-generation electric bus technology to North America, following its successful launch in the UK and Asia-Pacific Region.

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.

Sound Transit was an early adopter of the unique benefits of double deck buses and today uses a fleet of 50 Enviro500 on express routes operating out of Everett. Double deckers are a crowd favourite with Sound Transit passengers.

The Stride Enviro500EV will be the first Alexander Dennis in North America using the manufacturer’s next-generation zero-emission technology platform. They combine the efficient Voith Electrical Drive System with increased energy storage capacity and the North American industry-first use of inductive opportunity charging, via Pennsylvania-based InductEV, on double deck buses to enhance range and operational performance.

“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, said Stephen Walsh, Vice President for Alexander Dennis in North America, said: “This award highlights the resurging demand for Alexander Dennis’ 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.”