St. Louis Metro Transit has received two pilot buses as part of a contract awarded to New Flyer for 14 Xcelsior CHARGE™ battery-electric, 60-foot heavy-duty transit buses.
To support the deployment, New Flyer Infrastructure Solutions™ was awarded an $8.72-million contract from Bi-State Development, the operator of St. Louis Metro Transit, for the construction of battery-electric bus charging infrastructure.
The procurement, led by St. Louis Metro Transit and supported by Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds, will integrate zero-emission vehicles to supplement the existing MetroBus fleet – becoming the first deployed into regular permanent service in the St. Louis Metro Transit system.
"This is a landmark investment in American infrastructure and zero-emission technology, and we're pleased to provide sustainable mobility solutions through buses, technology, and infrastructure," said Chris Stoddart, president, New Flyer. "Metro is leading sustainable mobility and shaping the community's quality of life for the better. Together, we're making the evolution to electric a reality for greater St. Louis."
New Flyer's Infrastructure Solutions team is partnering with Burns & McDonnell, a Kansas City-based national engineering firm, as well as local teams and experts to complete the planning, engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning of both long-range depot charging and on-route rapid charging infrastructure.
"Battery electric buses represent our commitment to creating a more environmentally and economically efficient transit system. We will begin the shift to a leaner and greener operation, not just with the battery electric buses but with infrastructure and our operating facilities," said Jessica Mefford-Miller, St. Louis Metro Transit executive director. "We want the best for our region and are looking toward building long-term sustainable mobility options. With New Flyer, we know we can count on quality buses and leading zero-emission technology to provide clean, quiet transportation."
