MCTS temporarily removes all Nova Bus LFSe+ battery electric buses from CONNECT 1 BRT due to manufacturing recall

Aug. 25, 2023

Nova Bus notified MCTS of a potential issue that may have occurred during the manufacturing process.

Due to a manufacturer's recall, the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) has removed all Nova Bus LFSe+ battery electric buses from the CONNECT 1 bus rapid transit (BRT) line temporarily. Nova Bus notified MCTS of a potential issue that may have occurred during the manufacturing process via letter on Aug. 24. Following a thorough safety-related analysis of the issue, Nova Bus has determined the bus is still safe to drive.

While the risk is low, MCTS made the decision the CONNECT 1 BRT will be served by clean diesel buses until the batteries have been replaced. The electric buses are operated only on the BRT.

“We made the decision to take our battery electric buses off the BRT line until the batteries are replaced. Even though Nova Bus did not recommend that course of action, we felt it was important,” said MCTS President and Managing Director Denise Wandke. “We are confident that Nova Bus’s proactive recall shows their commitment to safety and product quality. The new bus rapid transit line, which launched in June, has been extremely popular with the community. Battery electric buses are a unique part of the CONNECT 1 experience and we look forward to seeing them back on the line as soon as the issue is resolved.”

Battery replacements under this recall will be performed on all 11 electric buses at no cost to MCTS.