RIPTA orders 14 zero-emission buses and charging infrastructure from NFI

New Flyer of America Inc. (New Flyer) received a new contract from the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) for 14 battery-electric, zero-emission Xcelsior CHARGE™ 40-foot heavy-duty transit buses.  

The order includes five ABB 50kWh depot chargers from NFI Infrastructure Solutions™ to support battery-electric bus deployment in the Rhode Island region. 

The purchase was made through the Connecticut Department of Transportation contract and marks RIPTA’s first order of NFI zero-emission buses and infrastructure. Through the deployment, RIPTA will advance its green initiative to reduce transit operating costs and environmental impact, ultimately making the state more sustainable. 

“RIPTA is counting on NFI’s advanced mobility and infrastructure solutions to enable the transition to zero emission at scale,” said Chris Stoddart, president, North American Bus and Coach. “Our battery-electric buses deliver immediate emissions reduction which helps fulfil RIPTA’s commitment to sustainability. Together, we are reducing greenhouse gases, providing cleaner air, and working to create healthier communities.” 

Designed on the Xcelsior® platform, each battery electric Xcelsior CHARGE™ bus can reduce up to 100-160 tons of greenhouse gas per year, according to New Flyer.