Fuel Cell – NFI announces new orders from California’s Omnitrans for a total of 22 New Flyer zero-emission 40-foot buses, featuring innovative 3-door configurations for more efficient boarding.
NFI Group Inc. (“NFI”), a leading independent bus and motor coach manufacturer and a leader in zero-emission electric mobility solutions, announced that its subsidiary New Flyer of America Inc. (“New Flyer”) has received new firm orders from Omnitrans of San Bernardino Valley (“Omnitrans”) for 18 battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE NG™ 40-foot transit buses featuring three-door configuration that includes a street-side door for bus rapid transit (BRT) application and four fuel cell-electric Xcelsior CHARGE FC™ 40-foot transit buses.
NFI added these firm zero-emission bus (ZEB) orders to its backlog in the first and second quarters of 2023, respectively.
Omnitrans provides public transportation services to 15 cities and unincorporated San Bernardino County, California, supporting over 11 million annual passenger rides on local and express bus routes, sbX bus rapid transit (BRT) service, OmniAccess paratransit service, and OmniRide Microtransit service.
Chris Stoddart, President, North American Bus and Coach, NFI said:
Since 2000, NFI has delivered 300 buses to Omnitrans, and we are excited to continue supporting their transition to zero-emission mobility with our robust, long-range, battery-electric and fuel cell-electric buses.
“Through NFI’s continued innovation, we have raised the bar with our 3-door application on the Xcelsior CHARGE NG, which will enable more efficient boarding for Omnitrans’ BRT project.”
“Designing both bus models on New Flyer’s proven Xcelsior platform leverages commonalities in our zero-emission manufacturing processes, benefiting Omnitrans with consistent quality, parts, and service support. Through this order we’re building cleaner, quieter, more livable communities across San Bernardino County.”
Designed with three doors, New Flyer’s battery-electric buses will enable efficient boarding on transit operators’ BRT lines with dual side boarding options, and support center of the road BRT platforms by reducing crossing distances for wide roadways.
New Flyer’s three-door buses will allow transit operators to improve traffic through more efficient and flexible BRT lines with increased curb space for accommodating other city infrastructure such as protected bike pathways, parklets, or surface parking. The three-door bus configuration is available to order.
The new, highly accessible 3-door buses will operate on the 19-mile West Valley Connector BRT line, one of the most modern, efficient, and innovative transit corridors in the United States that will connect key locations across western San Bernardino County.
Erin Rogers, CEO/General Manager, Omnitrans, said:
Sustainability and innovation are key elements of Omnitrans’ mission and have become hallmarks of this partnership with New Flyer.
“These Xcelsior buses will be a key element in bringing new connectivity to the community with our sbX BRT line.”
Through these orders, Omnitrans accelerates the implementation of zero-emission mobility, an agency initiative outlined in Omnitrans Strategic Plan, furthering its vision of adopting innovative mobility solutions for San Bernardino Valley communities. In addition, the purchase will deliver on the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Innovative Clean Transit regulation, requiring agencies to transition to 100% ZEB fleets by 2040.
NFI is a leader in zero-emission mobility, with electric vehicles operating (or on order) in more than 140 cities in six countries. NFI offers the widest range of zero-emission battery and fuel cell-electric buses and coaches, and its vehicles have completed over 120 million EV service miles.
Today, NFI supports growing North American cities with scalable, clean, and sustainable mobility solutions through its mobility solution ecosystem, which includes buses and coaches; infrastructure; parts and service; technology; workforce development and training; and vehicle financing.
NFI also operates the Vehicle Innovation Center (“VIC”), the first and only innovation lab of its kind dedicated to advancing bus and coach technology and providing workforce development. Since opening in late 2017, the VIC has hosted over 350 interactive events, welcoming 7,000 industry professionals for EV and infrastructure training.
About NFI
Leveraging 450 years of combined experience, NFI is leading the electrification of mass mobility around the world. With zero-emission buses and coaches, infrastructure, and technology, NFI meets today’s urban demands for scalable smart mobility solutions. Together, NFI is enabling more livable cities through connected, clean, and sustainable transportation.
NFI announces new orders from California’s Omnitrans for a total of 22 New Flyer zero-emission 40-foot buses, featuring innovative 3-door configurations for more efficient boarding, October 10, 1012
