Omnitrans contracts New Flyer for battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE NG™ transit buses
New Flyer of America Inc. (New Flyer), a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc. (NFI), has received firm orders from Omnitrans of San Bernardino Valley (Omnitrans) for 18 battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE NG™ 40-foot transit buses featuring three-door configuration that includes a street-side door for bus rapid transit (BRT) application and four fuel cell-electric Xcelsior CHARGE FC™ 40-foot transit buses. NFI added these firm zero-emission bus (ZEB) orders to its backlog in the first and second quarters of 2023, respectively.
Omnitrans provides public transportation services to 15 cities and unincorporated San Bernardino County, Calif., supporting more than 11 million annual passenger rides on local and express bus routes, sbX (BRT) service, OmniAccess paratransit service and OmniRide mcrotransit 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. Through NFI’s continued innovation, we have raised the bar with our three-door application on the Xcelsior CHARGE NG, which will enable more efficient boarding for Omnitrans’ BRT project.” said Chris Stoddart, president, 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. Through this order we’re building cleaner, quieter, more livable communities across San Bernardino County.”
Designed with three doors, New Flyer’s battery-electric buses will enable efficient boarding on transit operators’ BRT lines with dual side boarding options and support center of the road BRT platforms by reducing crossing distances for wide roadways. New Flyer's three-door buses will allow transit operators to improve traffic through more efficient and flexible BRT lines with increased curb space for accommodating other city infrastructure such as protected bike pathways, parklets or surface parking. The three-door bus configuration is available to order.
The new, highly accessible three-door buses will operate on the 19-mile West Valley Connector BRT line, one of the most modern, efficient and innovative transit corridors in the United States that will connect 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 and general manager, Omnitrans. “These Xcelsior buses will be a key element in bringing new connectivity to the community with our sbX BRT line.”
Through these orders, Omnitrans accelerates the implementation of zero-emission mobility, an agency initiative outlined in Omnitrans Strategic Plan, furthering its vision of adopting innovative mobility solutions for San Bernardino Valley communities. In addition, the purchase will deliver on the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Innovative Clean Transit regulation, requiring agencies to transition to 100 percent ZEB fleets by 2040.
