New Flyer of America Inc. (New Flyer), a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc. (NFI), announced that the San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans) has issued a new order for 55 clean diesel, 60-foot Xcelsior® heavy-duty transit buses (110 equivalent units or “EUs”) from New Flyer.
The buses, funded by Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grants, will replace buses from 2002 that have exceeded their useful life and will also help increase service along El Camino Real on SamTrans’ ECR Route, where 35 percent of all system boardings occur.
“New Flyer is proud to support SamTrans with high-capacity buses as it improves and expands transit service throughout San Mateo County, and pursues a new vision for mobility,” said Chris Stoddart, President, New Flyer. “These Xcelsior buses will increase capacity along one of SamTrans’ busiest routes, and help keep the community moving safely and reliably.”
In December 2014, SamTrans approved a five-year strategic plan focused on five goals for 2015 to 2019: increasing bus ridership by 15 percent, growing passenger fare revenue by 20%, reducing annual debt service by $1.5 million, improving organizational performance and managing workforce change.
The San Mateo County Transit District provides public transit and transportation programs in San Mateo County, California, supporting over 13 million passengers per year with bus, paratransit, and commuter rail service. SamTrans continues to actively invest in sustainability measures that reduce facility energy use, water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
New Flyer has been leading innovation in transit for over 85 years. It has over 30 years’ experience manufacturing high-capacity articulated buses and has delivered over 7,000 since 1988. New Flyer is currently the only manufacturer with successful completion of the Federal Transit Administration Altoona Testing requirements for 60-foot articulated buses, ensuring the buses exceed safety and quality requirements thereby qualifying for federal funding.
