Capital Metro Transportation Authority (CapMetro) is moving forward with the option for 26 zero-emission battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE NG™ buses as a part of a pre-existing five-year contract between CapMetro and NFI Group Inc (NFI).
The order for the 40-foot transit buses via the existing five-year contract with NFI subsidiary New Flyer of America Inc. (New Flyer) was originally announced in November 2021 and includes up to 126 40-foot and up to 15 60-foot battery-electric buses. NFI added a firm order for the 26 40-foot electric vehicles (EVs) to its backlog in the second quarter of 2023.
“Our partnership with CapMetro spans over 25 years, and, during this time, New Flyer has delivered more than 300 buses. NFI commends CapMetro on its commitment to environmental sustainability, a critical step on the path to a zero-emission future,” said Chris Stoddart, president, NFI. “The Xcelsior CHARGE NG is our latest EV – capable of avoiding up to 135 tons of greenhouse gas per year from tailpipe emissions – and will deliver innovative and sustainable mobility in the greater Austin region. Built on the proven Xcelsior platform, these EVs feature consistent vehicle design with all propulsion systems in CapMetro's fleet, resulting in consistent training, parts and service support on these vehicle systems.”
These 26 EVs will drive a fully zero-emission fleet for CapMetro’s Rapid project. This includes introducing four new bus lines to enhance commuting options and passenger satisfaction in Austin. The rapid is part of CapMetro's Project Connect, which aims to expand and improve public transportation for the central Texas region by reimagining its transit program and reducing carbon emissions through fleet electrification.
