NFI Group, a manufacturer of buses and motor coaches, is thrilled to reveal that its subsidiary, New Flyer, has secured fresh orders from Omnitrans of San Bernardino Valley (“Omnitrans”).
The order includes 18 battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE NG 40-foot transit buses with a three-door configuration tailored for bus rapid transit (BRT) applications, along with four fuel cell-electric Xcelsior CHARGE FC 40-foot transit buses.
These orders were added to NFI’s backlog in the first and second quarters of 2023, respectively.
Omnitrans serves 15 cities and unincorporated areas in San Bernardino County, California, providing public transportation services.
It supports over 11 million annual passenger rides, including local and express bus routes, sbX bus rapid transit (BRT) service, OmniAccess paratransit service, and OmniRide Microtransit service.
“Since 2000, NFI has delivered 300 buses to Omnitrans, and we are excited to continue supporting their transition to zero-emission mobility with our robust, long-range, battery-electric, and fuel cell-electric buses,” said Chris Stoddart, President, North American Bus and Coach, NFI.
“Designing both bus models on New Flyer’s proven Xcelsior platform leverages commonalities in our zero-emission manufacturing processes, benefiting Omnitrans with consistent quality, parts, and service support,” he added.
New Flyer’s battery-electric buses, designed with three doors, will facilitate efficient boarding on transit operators’ BRT lines with dual side boarding options.
This design will support center-of-the-road BRT platforms by reducing crossing distances for wide roadways.
Transit operators will have the flexibility to enhance traffic flow and accommodate other city infrastructure elements such as protected bike pathways, parklets, or surface parking. The three-door bus configuration is now available for order.
The new 3-door buses will operate on the 19-mile West Valley Connector BRT line, a modern and innovative transit corridor in the United States, connecting key locations across western San Bernardino County.
“Sustainability and innovation are key elements of Omnitrans’ mission and have become hallmarks of this partnership with New Flyer,” said Erin Rogers, CEO/General Manager, Omnitrans.
“These Xcelsior buses will be a key element in bringing new connectivity to the community with our sbX BRT line,” he added.
This purchase will help meet the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Innovative Clean Transit regulation, which requires agencies to transition to 100% zero-emission bus fleets by 2040.
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