Minnesota Valley Transit Authority has placed an order for seven 40-ft Nova LFX Smart Buses for its BRT services.
“We are proud to have the opportunity to call MVTA our new business partner. It’s a new market for us, and we look forward to providing them with distinctive vehicles that feature cutting-edge design, cost savings, and the perfect balance of style, function and maintainability,” said Gilles Dion, president and CEO of Nova Bus.
MVTA has opted for the LFX Smart Bus, which includes the Nova eCooling system, the Nova Bus
proprietary integrated electric engine cooling that can improve fuel economy by up to 18 percent. The stainless-steel structure designed for highly variable operating conditions was also a must for MVTA to handle Minnesota’s climate.
For its BRT services, MVTA and its partners wanted sleek curb appeal with the ability to quickly handle large passenger loads at elevated platforms. The single roofline, flush windows, new interior design and large-capacity doors of the Nova LFX represented an ideal match. The selected configuration features disc brakes, composite flooring and all LED lighting options for improved safety and cost savings. The addition of larger windows, clear escape hatches and LCD screens enhance the customer experience and provide greater opportunities for additional marketing revenues.
"The MVTA is very excited to add this bus to our fleet. We believe it will be well received by our station-to-station BRT customers, providing a great ride on this new type of service," said MVTA chair Gary Hansen of Eagan.
The buses will be assembled in Nova Bus’ Upstate New York plant and delivered in the fall of 2012.
