L.A. Metro Receives 900th and Final Bus of Order from New Flyer

Completing an order of new CNG buses that comprises 40 percent of the current fleet, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) has received delivery of the 900th and final New Flyer XN40 bus.

“When Metro awarded a $508 million contract for these buses in January 2013 we knew we were getting the best clean air buses available, but the New Flyer XN40 bus has also proven to be a real work horse for our agency,” said Metro Chair John Fasana.

Metro’s New Flyer buses deliver about 650,000 miles each week and boast the highest reliability in the fleet that numbers 2,248 buses. In addition, the XN40 bus features enhanced ADA amenities including an advanced securement system and additional space for passengers in wheelchairs.

“Having a 21st century transportation system means doing everything we can to ease congestion in L.A. County, while continuing to protect our environment,” said Los Angeles Mayor and Metro First Vice Chair Eric Garcetti. “The delivery of the 900th New Flyer XN40 bus reminds us that we can keep our commitment to cleaner air and healthier communities without sacrificing the quality of our transportation system.”

The New Flyer buses are built in St. Cloud, Minnesota with final assembly at a 120,000 square foot facility in Ontario, California that was opened in late 2013 and where 50 new employees were hired to support the Metro contract. Buses were delivered from September 2013 through October 2016 with New Flyer performing on-time and on-budget.    

In July, Metro issued a Request for Proposals for as many as 1,000 more buses.

“Metro has the largest clean air fleet in the world and as technology continues to advance so quickly that the next generation of CNG buses we buy will, in all likelihood, will be the cleanest buses of their kind in the world,” said Metro CEO Phillip A. Washington

As a public agency, Metro is a national leader in maximizing sustainability efforts to benefit the 10 million people who live in Los Angeles County. Metro’s sustainability efforts go well beyond buses and trains with local bike and pedestrian improvements and innovative solutions in alternative fuels and emissions controls.