Brampton extends sustainable BRT with low-emission, high-capacity buses from New Flyer

Dec. 16, 2019
The order follows a July announcement from Brampton Transit and CUTRIC of securing C$11.15 million from Natural Resources Canada to purchase six CHARGE™ buses.

The city of Brampton, Ontario, the governing body of Brampton Transit, has issued a new order from New Flyer for 10 heavy-duty, 60-foot Xcelsior® diesel-electric hybrid transit buses (20 equivalent units or EUs).

The new hybrid buses will expand the Züm bus rapid transit (BRT) fleet to meet the area’s growing population and transit demands. Featuring 40 percent more passenger capacity than 40-foot vehicles, the 60-foot Xcelsior buses will increase service and improve the passenger experience along key routes connecting people and places within Brampton and the Greater Toronto Area. Using diesel-electric hybrid technology, the new buses will reduce fuel consumption by up to 10 percent compared to conventional diesel vehicles, according to New Flyer.

The order follows Brampton Transit and the Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium’s (CUTRIC) July announcement of securing C$11.15 million (US$8.35 million) in federal funding from Natural Resources Canada to support the adoption of zero-emission transit with a purchase of six battery-electric New Flyer Xcelsior CHARGE™ buses.

“As the city of Brampton continues to grow, its mobility demands increase but the focus remains on sustainable transportation. New Flyer meets this need with hybrid electric technology and high-capacity BRT buses, which helps Brampton Transit improve the passenger experience,” said Chris Stoddart, president, New Flyer. “We are proud to deliver more fully-accessible BRT buses to support the Züm service, building on nearly 300 buses delivered to Brampton since 1979 and looking forward to the expansion of its low and zero-emission fleet in future.”

Xcelsior BRT buses offer low interior and exterior noise levels, and feature an upgraded interior including LED lighting, skylight roof hatches and styling upgrades. Accessibility features also include a wider door and an increased entryway, with low floors and ramp inclinations.

Brampton Transit is one of Canada’s fastest-growing transit providers, moving more than 31 million passengers in 2018 and committing to the reduction of Brampton’s carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions through sustainable transit, according to the company.