Las Vegas rolls out electric double-decker buses on the Strip
Iconic London-style vehicles bring zero-emission transit and local manufacturing jobs to Southern Nevada
Las Vegas is bringing a touch of British charm to the Strip with the launch of new electric double-decker buses, marking a significant milestone in the city’s push toward sustainable public transportation and local manufacturing.
The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) has partnered with Alexander Dennis, North America’s only double-decker bus manufacturer, to introduce these iconic vehicles that will serve both tourists and locals with zero-emission transportation.
From London to Las Vegas
“You think of double-decker buses in London, but now we’re going to have them up and down the Strip, all around the valley, taking tourists to fun spots, taking people to work,” said Democratic Representative Dina Titus at the unveiling. “I couldn’t be more proud.”
The first of these all-electric double-deckers has already hit the Strip, with more expected to roll out soon. Unlike their British counterparts, these buses are equipped with state-of-the-art electric technology, producing zero emissions while navigating the entertainment capital of the world.
Manufacturing hub in North Las Vegas
What makes this initiative particularly significant is that every single double-decker bus will be manufactured locally. Alexander Dennis opened its North Las Vegas facility on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, making it the only double-decker bus manufacturing plant in North America.
The facility currently employs 115 workers who are building the first batch of 10 buses for the RTC. But the impact extends far beyond local needs — buses manufactured in Las Vegas will be shipped to cities across the country.
“This is a facility that’s building buses that are not just going to be used here, they’re going to be explored all over the world,” said North Las Vegas City Councilman Isaac Barron. “They’re bringing jobs and some much-needed revenue to our city.”
Paul Soubry, CEO of New Flyer Industries, which owns Alexander Dennis, explained why Las Vegas was chosen: “RTC has been a massive customer. So in addition to having local people understand the product and that have demand for the product, you have this wonderful opportunity to be in a place that you can recruit to and bring skills to.”
Electric technology meets Vegas climate
The new buses aren’t just environmentally friendly — they’re designed specifically for Las Vegas conditions. The electric Enviro500 models can handle the extreme temperature swings Las Vegas experiences, from scorching 120-degree summers to chilly 40-degree winter nights.
“They will not have emissions out there in the atmosphere, and they’ll be able to travel distances,” said North Las Vegas Mayor Pamela Goynes-Brown. “It’s just a good way to move people from place to place, and it’s actually right here in our backyard.”
Part of a larger sustainability push
The electric double-deckers are just one component of RTC’s ambitious goal to achieve a zero-emission fleet by 2050. The agency has been systematically transitioning away from diesel buses for over a decade:
- 95% of the current fleet runs on compressed natural gas (CNG)
- 2 hydrogen fuel cell buses launched in August 2023 (first in Nevada)
- 4 battery electric buses added in November 2023
- 20 more hydrogen buses planned, including 15 for the new Maryland Parkway Bus Rapid Transit
“I understand that these four buses may seem like a small step, but you’ve got to start somewhere,” said RTC CEO M.J. Maynard. “It’s a giant leap forward that will allow us to continue to evolve our fleet and expand our use of clean technologies.”
Health and economic benefits
The switch to electric buses addresses multiple concerns for Southern Nevada:
Environmental Impact: Transportation accounts for 41% of greenhouse gas emissions in Southern Nevada. The zero-emission buses directly tackle this challenge.
Public Health: Electric buses produce no harmful emissions, benefiting communities that have historically dealt with higher rates of asthma and respiratory problems due to diesel exhaust.
Economic Advantages: While electric buses cost approximately $1 million each (about $300,000 more than diesel buses), they offer significant operational savings with no fuel costs, fewer fluids, and reduced maintenance needs.
Passenger Experience: Riders will enjoy a quieter, smoother, vibration-free journey. As Maynard noted, “It’s so quiet that you won’t even hear it arrive.”
Riding the double-deckers
The buses are available to both visitors and locals, with day passes priced at $8 for tourists and $5 for residents. The double-deckers will initially serve the Strip route but are expected to expand to other high-traffic corridors throughout the valley.
Economic diversification
For North Las Vegas, the manufacturing facility represents more than just jobs — it’s part of a broader strategy to diversify the local economy beyond tourism.
“Here in the city of North Las Vegas, we’re trying to build a firewall that is not dependent on tourism,” Barron explained, highlighting how the facility brings green manufacturing jobs to the region.
As Las Vegas continues to reinvent itself as a sustainable city, these electric double-deckers represent both practical progress and symbolic change. They combine the city’s flair for spectacle with serious environmental commitments.
Looking ahead
“Las Vegas is very resilient, and we keep changing, we keep adapting, always adding something new, and I think this will be an attraction in and of itself,” Titus said.
With the manufacturing facility now operational and buses rolling off the production line, Las Vegas is positioning itself not just as an entertainment destination, but as a hub for sustainable transportation innovation — proving that what happens in Vegas doesn’t have to stay in Vegas when it comes to green technology.
Image Sources: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/las-vegas-launches-electric-double-000426633.html
Category: Technology
Subcategory: Green Technology and Sustainability
Date: 08/06/2025
