NFI Group Inc. (NFI) announced that its subsidiary New Flyer of America Inc. (New Flyer) has received new firm orders for 41 transit buses from the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) with options for up to an additional 432 vehicles. The firm orders include: 28 Xcelsior® CNG 40-foot, heavy-duty transit buses, and 13 Xcelsior CHARGE NG™ battery-electric 40-foot, heavy-duty transit buses.
The five-year contract includes options to purchase additional 40-foot and 60-foot Xcelsior® CNG buses, as well as 40-foot and 60-foot Xcelsior CHARGE NG™ battery-electric buses.
MTS is one of the oldest transit systems in Southern California, serving the San Diego community for more than 135 years. It operates one of the cleanest public transit fleets in the United States, providing 88 million annual passenger rides across San Diego County on nearly 100 fixed bus routes.
Supported by Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds, this order will help MTS meet its goal of transitioning to a zero-emission fleet, which is outlined in its multi-year “Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan”. In addition, the purchase will deliver on the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Innovative Clean Transit regulation, requiring agencies to transition to 100% zero-emission bus fleets by 2040.
“MTS and NFI have had a great working relationship for many years, and we look forward to continuing it with this new contract,” said Sharon Cooney, MTS CEO. “To meet the demands of transitioning to all zero-emission bus fleet by 2040 we will need NFI to step up in a big way. As they continue to improve bus zero-emission technology and performance, I’m confident our transition will be successful.”
“Through a partnership spanning nearly 30 years, NFI has delivered over 840 buses and coaches to MTS, and we are excited to continue working together as we support MTS’ transition to cleaner, more sustainable mobility with our high-performance low- and zero-emission buses. Together, we’re building healthier and more livable communities across San Diego,” commented Chris Stoddart, President, North American Bus and Coach, NFI.
New Flyer’s Xcelsior® CNG buses emit virtually no visible particulate matter, lending cleaner, more breathable air for the communities. They conform to the Environmental Protection Agency and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s comprehensive Heavy-Duty National Program, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption for heavy-duty highway vehicles.
Source: New Flyer
