New Flyer of America, the U.S. subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., the largest transit bus and motor coach manufacturer and parts distributor in North America, announced that the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (“MTS”) has awarded New Flyer a new contract for six forty-foot, zero-emission, battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE™ heavy-duty transit buses.
The purchase, supported by competitive state grants, California’s Cap-and-Trade Program, and the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, continues San Diego’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions as part of a zero-emission pilot program that supports overarching California Climate Action goals. Buses are expected to arrive in 2019 and will be tested along various existing routes.
The buses are equipped with 480-kilowatt batteries, and will also feature the latest onboard video surveillance systems, enhanced wheelchair restraint systems with forward-facing safety barriers for improved safety, and electric air conditioning, and accessory systems.
“New Flyer is proud to offer zero-emission solutions for the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System,” Wayne Joseph, President, New Flyer of America. “We are thrilled to continue partnering with California transit agencies in pursuit of cleaner air and environmental preservation, and we commend MTS on its climate leadership through continued commitment to delivering emission-free solutions to San Diego and the surrounding community.”
The SDMTS Board of Directors unanimously approved the purchase, which includes nine depot chargers from New Flyer. Plans are in place to install six depot chargers at the Imperial Avenue Division as the primary operating facility for the zero-emissions buses, with the remaining three to be installed at other fixed-route operating facilities to expand the route-testing area and provide service continuity.
“We’re pleased to introduce New Flyer’s zero-emission technology to the San Diego region and to compare its performance, capabilities, and charging infrastructure with our existing low-emissions fleet,” said Paul Jablonksi, Chief Executive Officer, MTS.
The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System operates bus and trolley routes in the region, delivering over 90 million rides per year. MTS has actively supported San Diego and California climate action goals through evolution to low and no-emission solutions, including operation of zero-emission light rail, operation of compressed natural gas buses, purchasing 100% renewable natural biogas, deploying eco-friendly propane-powered buses, installing near-zero NOx engines into existing fixed-route buses, achieving LEED Silver status for new bus operations facilities in Chula Vista and El Cajon, and installing solar power at 500 new bus shelters.
NFI joined CharIN to support industry charging standards for all electric vehicles, became the first licensee outside the Volvo Group to join OppCharge in North America, became the first bus manufacturer in the world to sign on to the Shared Mobility Principles for Livable Cities, signed on to CALSTART’s Global Commercial Drive to Zero pledge, and signed the Transportation Electrification Accord to further advance electric vehicle adoption. NFI is the only provider of full suite bus solutions in North America, offering transit, motor coach, and low-floor cutaway buses, and has four locations in California (Fresno, Hayward, Ontario, and Los Alamitos).
