Foothill Transit Adding 12 Alexander Dennis Double-Deck ZEBs

Alexander Dennis, a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., was awarded a contract to build 12 new battery-electric Enviro500EV double deck buses for U.S. Foothill Transit.

Foothill Transit is a leading public transit agency serving 22 cities in the San Gabriel and Pomona valleys in eastern Los Angeles Country, Calif. Committed to innovation and sustainability, the agency strives to provide reliable and eco-friendly transportation solutions for the communities it serves.

Upgrading the Silver Streak

Foothill’s flagship Silver Streak route to downtown Los Angeles will be further upgraded in 2026 with the 12 new electric double deckers.

With their double-deck design, they will maximize passenger capacity on this important commuter connection while cutting out local emissions. They will join two earlier Enviro500EV pilot buses delivered in 2021.

The new buses will utilize the technology of Alexander Dennis’s next-generation zero-emission bus platform recently launched in the UK and the Asia-Pacific region, which combines the Voith Electrical Drive System (VEDS) with a modular battery system that offers increased energy storage and greater operational range on a single charge.

“This investment in zero-emissions technology aligns with our vision for a sustainable future,” said Doran Barnes, CEO of Foothill Transit. “We are proud to partner with Alexander Dennis to bring these cutting-edge double deck electric buses to our communities. This marks a significant step forward in our commitment to providing reliable, eco-friendly, and efficient transit services.”

Drive to Zero Emissions

The award is the second in North America for the Enviro500EV with next-generation technology and highlights the resurging demand for Alexander Dennis double-deck buses following the relaunch of Buy America-compliant production with Big Rig Manufacturing.

The addition of these 12 double-deck zero-emission battery-electric buses is part of Foothill Transit's broader strategy to modernize its fleet and contribute to the broader goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Recent additions have included 33 fuel cell-electric Xcelsior CHARGE FC™ single deckers from NFI Group sister company New Flyer.