Alexander Dennis, a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., one of the world’s leading independent global bus manufacturers, today confirmed a further firm order for the Enviro500 double decker bus from the United States of America.
One Alexander Dennis Enviro500 double decker will join the fleet of AppalCART, which provides fare-free transit in Boone, North Carolina on a fixed-route network focused on the Appalachian State University campus, from which it takes its name.
AppalCART is a new customer to both Alexander Dennis and the wider NFI Group. The purchase follows the successful trial of a similar demonstrator in October 2021.
The double decker will be used on the Pop 105 route. Its high capacity of over 100 passengers, including 84 seated, will address overcrowding on key journeys on this popular route linking key university institutions, Downtown Boone and apartment complexes.
AppalCART’s Enviro500 will be built in the United States as part of the recently announced partnership between Alexander Dennis and Big Rig Manufacturing and is expected to be delivered in 2025. It will be supported in operation by Alexander Dennis’s own staff as well as through the wider NFI Parts organisation.
“We will be able to be more responsive to our passengers’ needs by adding seats to a very high volume route”
Craig Hughes, AppalCART Director, said: “The bus will provide AppalCART with helpful operational efficiency, as we will almost double capacity without the need for additional staffing. We will be able to be more responsive to our passengers’ needs by adding seats to a very high volume route, helping to eliminate the frequency of overcrowding. As an added benefit, a double-decker bus rolling down the streets Boone will also bring attention, excitement, and fresh eyes to what an efficient public transportation system can mean for the college students and local residents that ride our routes daily.”
Jason Steinbrunn, Vice-President Commercial for Alexander Dennis in North America, said: “We’re delighted to welcome AppalCART to NFI Group for their first Alexander Dennis Enviro500. This order shows how the high passenger capacity of a double decker can improve operational efficiency on campus-focused transit systems, which typically experience high loadings on selected journeys.”
Forward-looking statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements relating to expected future events and financial and operating results of Alexander Dennis and NFI Group that involve risks and uncertainties. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, investors cannot be assured that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and the differences may be material. Actual results may differ materially from management expectations as projected in such forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including market and general economic conditions and economic conditions of and funding availability for customers to purchase buses and to purchase parts or services; customers may not exercise options to purchase additional buses; the ability of customers to suspend or terminate contracts for convenience; production may be delayed or production rates may be decreased as a result of the pandemic or ongoing and future supply chain disruptions and shortages of parts and components, shipping and freight delays, and disruption to labor supply; risks related to reliance on third-party manufacturers of Alexander Dennis’ products; and the other risks and uncertainties discussed in the materials filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca.
Due to the potential impact of these factors, the NFI Group disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law.