SEPTA awards NFI contract for up to 340 low-emission hybrid-electric buses

New Flyer of America Inc. (New Flyer) has received a new contract from the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) for a firm order of 220 Xcelsior® 40-foot, heavy-duty, hybrid-electric transit buses.  

The order includes options to purchase up to 120 additional Xcelsior 40-foot, hybrid-electric buses under a five-year contract. 

“NFI has delivered over 2,070 buses to SEPTA since 1997, and today we continue to power the transition to sustainable mobility with our low-emission, quiet, efficient, and fully accessible hybrid-electric buses,” said Chris Stoddart, president, North American Bus and Coach. “With best-in-class features on board, including enhanced batteries and regenerative braking, our hybrid-electric buses are a proven transition strategy to zero-emission mobility through high operational performance, smooth acceleration, fuel savings and improved air quality.” 

The hybrid-electric buses feature BAE’s HDS200 hybrid drive propulsion, including the latest MAPS2 accessory power system which will upgrade SEPTA’s current fleet with engine-off features such as stop/start, arrive and go, and onboard green zone technology, which enables the bus to switch to battery-electric power in specified zones. Together, these features provide emission and noise reduction in the community.  

The buses also advance SEPTA’s Bus Revolution program, a key element of SEPTA Forward, its strategic plan to reshape bus transportation to achieve better connectivity and operational efficiency, while ensuring a resilient, prosperous and equitable community in the region. 

New Flyer’s hybrid-electric buses bridge the transition between traditional combustion engines and zero-emission propulsion, reducing NOx emissions up to 50 percent and particulate matter levels up to 100 percent while also lowering fuel consumption and maintenance costs.