New Flyer Industries Inc. announced Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), located in Santa Clara, Calif., has awarded New Flyer a contract for 50 (100 equivalent units or "EUs") Xcelsior diesel-electric hybrid 60-foot articulated heavy-duty buses.
The contract for 50 Xcelsior buses contains a firm order of 29 buses (58 EUs) with options for an additional 21 buses (42 EUs). To date, New Flyer has built and distributed 40 60-ft diesel buses to VTA's fleet of approximately 450 active buses.
VTA has a strong focus on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, which is demonstrated by its investment into environmentally friendly buses. Hybrid propulsion improves fuel economy and lowers emissions. Less wear on mechanical components, decreased fluid breakdown and no transmission overhaul result in reduced maintenance and operation expenses. VTA's hybrid system will also improve passenger experience through lower noise levels and smoother acceleration.
"We are proud to build our Xcelsior model for the first time for VTA," said Paul Soubry, president and CEO of New Flyer. "VTA's continued business helps us confirm that the products and services that we continue to build and grow are aligned with our customers' needs."
The 29 60-foot buses are anticipated to begin production in the third quarter of 2014 and will be completely manufactured and assembled at New Flyer of America's St. Cloud, Minn., manufacturing facility. All buses are expected to be delivered by the fourth quarter of 2014.
