New Flyer Industries Inc., transit bus and motor coach manufacturer and parts distributor, says it showcased the Xcelsior XE40 electric bus that it delivered to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Earth Day Fair last week.
According to the DOT, the Earth Day Fair is designed for department employees to learn about energy-efficient products that help improve air quality and the environment.
“New Flyer is honored to make its debut with WMATA at DOT Earth Day, especially as the zero-emission electric bus continues to gain popularity with transit authorities and their ridership,” says Joe Gibson, New Flyer vice president of national sales. “We have unique strengths in this marketplace – the reliable Xcelsior is supported by the largest parts and 24/7 service support operation in North America.”
He continues, “It’s important to have the right equipment as more of our customers move towards electric propulsion, but [it’s] essential to offer an electric bus service and training infrastructure that never sleeps.”
Gibson led the tour of the electric bus in front of DOT headquarters in downtown Washington, noting that WMATA’s Xcelsior XE40 bus is equipped with New Flyer Connect, an onboard telematics systems and support service that will allow real-time remote monitoring of the battery-electric vehicle for optimal management and operational efficiency.
New Flyer says it has delivered over 6,400 buses with electric propulsion systems, including electric-trolley, electric hybrid, fuel cell electric, and battery-electric buses in 35-, 40- and 60-foot configurations.
“New Flyer’s electric solutions cover all major group and mass transit needs,” comments Gibson.
As reported, WMATA is the second major metropolitan transit fleet in the U.S. to place New Flyer’s battery-electric bus in service. The Chicago Transit Authority has New Flyer Xcelsior XE40 buses in daily operation, offering passengers a cleaner, quieter ride with significant fuel and maintenance savings.
Within the next two years, New Flyer expects to deliver battery-electric buses to Portland; Los Angeles; Salt Lake City; Boston; Alameda County, Calif.; and Albany, N.Y.
Photo courtesy of New Flyer – Ghosh Choudhury, manager of new bus procurements in the maintenance department of bus services; Joe Gibson, New Flyer vice president of national sales; and James Harper Jr., director in office of acquisition management for U.S. DOT Federal Transit Administration.