WMATA Awards Contract to New Flyer for Up to 500 Low- and Zero-Emission Buses
NFI Group Inc. (NFI), a prominent leader in the bus and coach manufacturing sector and a pioneer in zero-emission electric mobility solutions, has announced a major contract with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) for a diverse fleet of zero-emission buses (ZEBs) and hybrid buses. This award solidifies New Flyer of America Inc. (New Flyer), a subsidiary of NFI, as a key partner in Metro’s ongoing efforts to enhance its public transportation system, specifically through sustainable solutions.
The contract is a milestone in the continued partnership between New Flyer and Metro, spanning over three decades. It includes firm orders for 75 Xcelsior® hybrid-electric 40-foot transit buses and 25 Xcelsior CHARGE NG™ 35-foot battery-electric buses. Additionally, there are options to purchase up to 400 more buses, depending on Metro’s evolving needs in the future. These buses will contribute to the growing fleet of clean and sustainable vehicles operating within the National Capital Region, which spans Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
Metro, a critical provider of Metrorail and Metrobus services, caters to over six million people across this region, and its Metrobus division alone operates 1,500 buses on a 24/7 basis. With such a massive responsibility, the authority has long been committed to improving the environmental footprint of its fleet while maintaining the high standard of service expected by its passengers.
“New Flyer and Metro have built a strong working relationship over the last thirty years,” said Chris Stoddart, President of North American Zero-Emission Bus and Coach at NFI. “This new contract brings the latest advancements in bus technology to the forefront and integrates healthy contracting practices. It ensures flexibility in delivery timelines and pricing, which will help mitigate any challenges related to supply chain disruptions. This deal is a major step forward for both Metro and New Flyer, promising long-term benefits for all parties involved.”
NFI’s commitment to sustainability is central to its mission. As a global leader in zero-emission mobility, the company has placed electric vehicles in over 150 cities across six countries. NFI’s range of electric buses, including both battery and fuel-cell models, has now accumulated more than 220 million service miles. This impressive milestone reflects NFI’s significant impact in the push for cleaner, greener public transportation.
In addition to its environmentally friendly buses, NFI’s mobility solutions ecosystem spans a wide range of services. These include buses and coaches, infrastructure development, parts and services, technology integration, workforce training, and vehicle financing. This comprehensive approach allows NFI to support North American cities in their transition to sustainable, clean mobility.
At the heart of NFI’s efforts to innovate is the Vehicle Innovation Center (VIC), which opened in late 2017. This one-of-a-kind innovation lab is dedicated to advancing the technology behind buses and coaches, with a special focus on electric vehicles and the infrastructure required to support them. Since its inception, the VIC has hosted over 470 interactive events, welcoming more than 10,600 industry professionals. These events have focused on everything from EV training to infrastructure development, contributing to the growth of a workforce ready to embrace the future of transportation.
NFI’s impact on the public transit industry goes beyond just the vehicles themselves. The company is driving change in how cities plan, operate, and maintain their fleets, positioning itself as a crucial partner in the transition to zero-emission transportation. With Metro’s new contract, NFI not only expands its order book but also plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of public transit in one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States.
As Metro looks to modernize its fleet with the latest in zero-emission and hybrid technology, this partnership with New Flyer underscores the growing trend of large-scale adoption of sustainable transit solutions across the country. In doing so, it also sets an example for other transit authorities to follow as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of integrating cleaner, more efficient vehicles into their fleets.
This contract is part of Metro’s broader strategy to meet its environmental goals and ensure the future sustainability of its operations. It aligns with the growing demand for cleaner transportation options, driven by both public and governmental expectations for reduced emissions and increased energy efficiency.
The shift towards zero-emission buses is also being fueled by a variety of state and federal policies aimed at reducing carbon footprints and combating climate change. Many transit agencies, including Metro, are under pressure to replace aging diesel-powered buses with cleaner alternatives, a transition that requires both significant investment and a deep commitment to sustainable technology. With NFI’s established track record and advanced product offerings, New Flyer is well-positioned to support Metro’s efforts to create a more sustainable, eco-friendly transportation system.
Looking ahead, NFI’s partnership with Metro signals a broader movement towards electric and hybrid vehicles in public transportation systems nationwide. As cities strive to meet emissions reduction targets, the demand for zero-emission buses will continue to grow, with companies like New Flyer playing a central role in facilitating this transition.
In the years to come, Metro’s updated fleet will help to reduce air pollution, improve the quality of life for residents, and provide cleaner transportation options for millions of people who rely on public transit every day.
This contract also highlights NFI’s continued leadership in the electric vehicle sector, especially in North America. By offering a complete range of clean, zero-emission vehicles and supporting infrastructure, NFI is helping shape the future of urban mobility. The company’s comprehensive approach – from developing and manufacturing vehicles to providing training and financing options – ensures that cities and transit agencies can meet their sustainability goals with the right tools and resources.
In conclusion, the contract between NFI’s subsidiary New Flyer and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority is a monumental step forward for sustainable public transportation. As the transit agency moves toward a greener future, the partnership with New Flyer will ensure it has the cutting-edge technology needed to meet the demands of the National Capital Region.
With zero-emission and hybrid buses at the heart of this transformation, the region is taking a significant leap toward a more sustainable, efficient, and environmentally responsible public transportation system. Through its continued collaboration with Metro and other cities, NFI is not only meeting the current needs of public transit but also preparing for the challenges and opportunities of the future.