Bus manufacturing company Alexander Dennis commences operations at its new Las Vegas facility and initiates deliveries of its Enviro500 model.
In a significant development for public transportation in the United States, Alexander Dennis has opened a new manufacturing facility in Las Vegas, Nevada. This facility marks the continuation and expansion of Alexander Dennis' partnership with the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC).
The new facility, operated by Alexander Dennis, is the only location in the United States producing double-deck buses. This innovative plant is expected to support further market demand for double-deck buses, especially given Alexander Dennis' 20-year history of supplying these vehicles to North American transit operators and tour companies, with over 1,300 units sold.
The initial two buses, part of the first batch produced, were handed over during the opening ceremony and will be deployed on RTC's Deuce on The Strip service. These buses, following the successful Enviro500 double-deck bus model, are 12.9 metres (42 feet 5 inches) in length and 4.115 metres (13 feet 6 inches) high.
At full capacity, the plant is expected to manufacture up to 75 vehicles annually. Production at the facility has begun at an initial rate of one vehicle per week, with plans to increase production to 1.5 vehicles per week by 2026. This increased production will create value in Southern Nevada's local economy.
Alexander Dennis, formed by the merger of two bus manufacturers, Walter Alexander Coachbuilders and Dennis Specialist Vehicles, aims to build on the success of the new Las Vegas facility. The company, with no single founder typically credited, is built from its predecessor firms.
The facility's operations are compliant with Buy America requirements, with over 70% of components sourced domestically. This commitment to local sourcing ensures the economic benefits of the facility are felt within the United States.
Alexander Dennis partnered with Big Rig Manufacturing for the setup and initial operations of the new Las Vegas facility. The 15.3 million USD investment in the facility secures the future of double-deck bus manufacturing in North America.
The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada was the first US transit agency to introduce double-deck buses, having done so in 2005. The new Las Vegas facility will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and popularity of double-deck buses in the United States.
