The Metropolitan Council of Minneapolis has ordered eight Xcelsior CHARGE battery-electric transit buses from New Flyer of America Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of NFI Group Inc.
The heavy-duty, 60-foot buses will bring zero-emission public transit to the new C-line, a dedicated bus rapid transit (BRT) route operated by Metro Transit and scheduled to open in 2019.
The purchase of the charging technology and Minnesota-built buses is supported by a $1.75 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
“As the Minneapolis-Saint Paul community continues to expand, supporting its growth with zero-emission BRT improves transit mobility while eliminating emissions and creating sustainable solutions,” comments Wayne Joseph, president of New Flyer of America. “We are proud to have delivered over 300 buses to Metro Transit to date and are thrilled to continue our relationship with the introduction of our efficient, next-generation battery-electric bus: the Xcelsior CHARGE.”
“Metro Transit is always striving to improve the quality of life in the Twin City region with a commitment to excellence in cost-effectiveness, sustainability and innovation,” adds Brian Lamb, general manager of Metro Transit. “As electric, articulated buses join other buses along the C Line bus rapid transit line, they will cut fuel costs and decrease emissions along corridor, paving the way for other long-term zero-emission possibilities.”
