Complete Coach Works (CCW), New Flyer of America Inc. (New Flyer), a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc. (NFI), and Phoenix Motorcars Inc. have been negotiating various agreements to add zero-emission buses to various transit agencies fleets.
CCW
CCW, in collaboration with its affiliate Transit Sales International, will sell eight GILLIG 2008 35-foot buses to Liberty University (Liberty) in Lynchburg, Va.
As part of the contract, CCW will install new driver’s seats and coordinate with Liberty for new exterior paint and graphics. The acquisition of these buses will enhance the student experience by providing transportation across the campus through Liberty’s transit services.
"We are honored to be chosen by Liberty University to acquire these buses for the rapid growth of their student riders," said Jay Raber, regional sales manager for the Midwest at CCW. " We see this collaboration as more than just a project; it signifies a dedicated pledge to our enduring partnership. We eagerly anticipate contributing our dedication and expertise to the ongoing success of Liberty University."
New Flyer
New Flyer has been awarded two new contracts from New York City (NYC) Transit, including firm orders for 429 Xcelsior® buses, with options to purchase up to 1,661 additional buses during the next five years.
In total, the two contracts add 3,050 equivalent units (EUs) to NFI’s first quarter 2024 backlog, including:
- A firm order for 187 battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE NG ™ 40-foot buses (187 EUs), with 943 additional options available (943 EUs).
- A firm order for 18 battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE NG ™ 60-foot buses (36 EUs), with 272 additional options available (544 EUs).
- A firm order for 224 Xcelsior® 60-foot clean diesel buses (448 EUs), with 446 additional options available (892 EUs).
In 2023, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) placed an emphasis on environmental goals, including a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent between their 2015 baseline and 2040. The battery-electric vehicles manufactured under the contracts will support MTA’s goal of transitioning the agency’s entire bus fleet to zero-emission alternatives by 2040. NYC Transit’s battery-electric vehicle purchase was supported through the Federal Transit Administration’s Low or No Emission (Low-No) grant program.
“Since 1996, New Flyer has delivered more than 4,500 buses to NYC Transit in a partnership that brings together the largest transit agency in North America and North America’s leading manufacturer of heavy-duty transit vehicles,” said Chris Stoddart, president, North American Bus and Coach, NFI. “The Xcelsior CHARGE NG integrates our latest battery-electric technology to deliver longer range and easier serviceability in addition to its environmental benefits. Our continued innovation and advancement, especially in the field of battery-electric buses, enables New Flyer to play a leading and integral role in helping NYC Transit as they update their fleet to ensure they maintain a high level of service while also making progress towards their future electrification goals.”
As of Dec. 31, 2023, NFI had a total backlog of 10,586 EUs and 3,832 EUs in bid award pending. The EUs from these two contracts were previously included in bid award pending and now move into NFI’s backlog.
Phoenix Motorcars
Raleigh Durham International Airport (RDU) has placed an order for six zero-emission Phoenix Motorcar battery electric buses, marking Phoenix's first formal order after acquiring the Proterra Transit business line.
The company’s fifth-generation 40-foot ZX5+ buses will be used to transport RDU passengers to and from the park and ride lots and airport terminals at RDU.
"RDU is excited about introducing more EV technology into the fleet, which aligns with our Sustainability Management Plan. We want to do our part in decreasing greenhouse gases,” said Brian McLean, RDU's fleet manager.
The six ZX5+ buses were manufactured in Greenville, S.C.
"We are excited about the opportunity to continue to serve the needs of Raleigh Durham International Airport and its passengers. Phoenix has a long history of providing airport transportation in its legacy medium-duty shuttle bus business and we are eager to continue to grow this business in our heavy-duty transit bus line," said Denton Peng, CEO, Phoenix Motorcars.
