New Flyer and AROW Global award $10,000 New Mobility Bursary to Terrance Chen

NFI Group Inc., awarded Terrance Chen the inaugural New Mobility Bursary, created by subsidiary New Flyer of America Inc. (New Flyer) in partnership with supplier AROW Global Corp (AROW Global).

The $10,000 New Mobility Bursary, first announced in November 2021 and awarded through NFI’s Vehicle Innovation Center (VIC), is focused on supporting underserved, underrepresented or disadvantaged individuals that are enrolled in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) related programs and intending to pursue careers in the new mobility era. Ultimately, the bursary contributes to the advancement of diversity, equity and inclusion in public transit.

“This bursary motivates me to do well in university and pursue a career in which I can improve infrastructure, such as urban planning or entrepreneurship in transportation,” said Terrance Chen. “I am passionate about technologies that lead to a more sustainable future, such as EVs and public transit systems using alternative sources of energy, and am grateful this bursary recognizes my passion for transportation.”

Chen was born in Nanjing, China, and moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba at age 10. He is currently enrolled in the University of Waterloo’s Environment and Business Program and anticipates graduating in April 2025. Prior to his studies, Chen developed a deep interest in electric vehicles, mobility, and innovation through participating in Manitoba Electric Vehicle Association events and having once toured New Flyer manufacturing facilities through the CanU Canada young leaders’ program. During the tour, Chen gained firsthand insight on New Flyer’s electric and hydrogen fuel cell technology, which further sparked his interest in a zero-emission future.

“We are thrilled to congratulate and present Terrance Chen with the $10,000 New Mobility Bursary, and to extend sincere gratitude to our selection committee,” said Janice Harper, executive vice president of People and Culture, NFI. “It is young leaders like Terrance who will continue to shape and drive the new mobility era forward. To enable this, we must continue investing in the next generation to provide them tangible support and opportunities to learn more on, to enter, and advance through our industry. As one of four critical pillars in NFI’s mobility solutions offering, workforce development is – and will remain – at the forefront of zero-emission adoption at scale.”

The New Mobility Bursary selection committee was comprised of leaders spanning the North American public transit industry, and included Alva Carrasco, Vice President and Western Region Market Lead for WSP and current President of Latinos in Transit; Annette Salfarlie, Senior Advisor on Diversity and Culture at Toronto Transit Commission and current Chair of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials’ Toronto and Region Chapter; Dwayne Sampson, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Transportation Diversity Council; Mervin Richardson, Production Superintendent for New Flyer; Earl Phillips, Local 100 President for the Transit Workers Union; Pam Boswell, Vice President of Workforce Development and Educational Services for the American Public Transportation Association; Tom Klos, Director of Sales for AROW Global; and Barry Karlenzig, Technical Sales Manager for New Flyer and current President of Pride Winnipeg.

NFI is a leader in zero-emission mobility, with electric vehicles operating (or on order) in more than 80 cities in five countries. Today, NFI supports growing North American cities with scalable, clean, and sustainable mobility solutions through a four-pillar approach that includes buses and coaches, technology, infrastructure, and workforce development.

NFI also operates the VIC, the first and only innovation lab of its kind dedicated to advancing bus and coach technology and providing workforce development. Since opening late 2017, the VIC has hosted over 300 interactive events, welcoming 5,000 industry professionals for EV and infrastructure training.

AROW Global is a leading design and manufacturer of window, glazing, and driver protection systems for the mass transit industry in North America, is an equal partner with New Flyer in creating the New Mobility Bursary to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in the public transportation industry.