Fort Worth Transportation Authority launches zero emission service with buses from New Flyer

July 12, 2019

Fort Worth Transportation Authority (Trinity Metro) has awarded New Flyer a contract for four heavy-duty, 35-foot Xcelsior CHARGE battery-electric buses to support its new route for zero-emission services.

The new route, The Dash, connects downtown Fort Worth to the cultural district and utilizes Trinity Metro’s first all-electric buses, reducing emissions and continuing economic growth. New Flyer is further supporting the deployment with management of ABB charger installation and commissioning through New Flyer Infrastructure Solutions™.

“As a technology-forward community, Fort Worth is putting its sustainable vision in motion and New Flyer is proud to serve as a true mobility partner, including zero-emission Xcelsior CHARGE buses and charging infrastructure,” said New Flyer President Chris Stoddart. “Since 1990, NFI has delivered nearly 130 buses to Fort Worth including buses from New Flyer, MCI and ARBOC. Today, we’re proud to further serve Trinity Metro in reducing emissions and supporting exceptional growth in Fort Worth with safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation.”

Trinity Metro’s first Xcelsior CHARGE™ was unveiled in Fort Worth during a May 2019 event, which previewed The Dash service . The bus showcased reduced air and noise pollution, and enhancements such as wood-like floors and USB charge ports for passengers. The purchase was supported by local, state and federal funds. The Dash is in the testing phase and will begin operations on September 22.

“We are thrilled to introduce these distinctive red buses to Fort Worth,” said Wayne Gensler, vice president and chief operating officer for bus and paratransit at Trinity Metro. “The Dash will connect these two unique areas of our community with state-of-the-art, zero-emission technology. We expect the buses to be a welcomed attraction in this growing area of Fort Worth.”

Trinity Metro is a regional transportation system providing public transportation in Fort Worth, Texas, and other cities in Tarrant County, part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. It delivers nearly 10 million passenger trips per year.

New Flyer has more than 50 years of experience in manufacturing zero-emission buses (ZEBs), with more electric buses on the road in America than any other manufacturer. In 2018, New Flyer became the first bus manufacturer in the world to sign on to the Shared Mobility Principles for Livable Cities, joined the Charging Interface Initiative (CharIN) to support industry charging standards for all electric vehicles, became the first licensee outside the Volvo Group to join OppCharge in North America, signed CALSTART’s Global Commercial Drive to Zero to support fast-tracking adoption of clean trucks and buses, and also signed the Transportation Electrification Accord focused on driving an equitable and prosperous future for electrified transportation.