California’s Foothill Transit to expand its fleet with 12 Alexander Dennis Enviro500EV double deck zero-emission buses

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

Its 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 which were delivered in 2021.

The new buses will utilise the technology of Alexander Dennis’s next-generation zero-emission bus platform recently launched in the UK and the Asia-Pacific region. This 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.

Foothill Transit CEO Doran Barnes expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “This investment in zero emissions technology aligns with our vision for a sustainable future. 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.”

Stephen Walsh, Vice President for Alexander Dennis in North America, said: “We are excited to once again be working with our friends at Foothill Transit. After trials with two earlier Enviro500EV pilot buses, Foothill Transit’s selection of Alexander Dennis next-generation technology for its Sliver Streak route is a huge vote of confidence for us. With increased energy storage, revised drivetrain configuration and modular battery configurations, the Enviro500EV with next-generation technology will improve range and other capabilities vital to the mixed profile of inner-city roads and freeways that are features of the Silver Streak route.”

This 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.