New Flyer to build 108 H2 buses for SamTrans in California
San Mateo County Transit – SamTrans for short – currently operates public transport in the county of the same name on San Francisco Bay. The company is also currently expanding its business to San Francisco and Palo Alto, meaning that the operator will be responsible for a network of 74 bus routes in future. As part of this, SamTrans intends to procure 108 Xcelsior Charge FC fuel cell buses from the US manufacturer New Flyer. SamTrans placed the firm orders for the approximately 12-metre-long buses in the second and third quarters of this year.
SamTrans does not have to bear the investment in the H2 buses alone. The purchase is supported by financial aid from the Federal Transit Administration, local funds and the Californian HVIP programme (‘Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project’). In principle, bus fleets in California must be emission-free by 2040. This goal is set out in the California Air Resources Board’s ‘Innovative Clean Transit’ regulation.
“Our zero-emission fleet demonstrates SamTrans’ commitment towards reducing the impact of transportation on air quality and our climate by reducing greenhouse gases in our communities, which further supports our mission to provide safe, equitable and sustainable transportation for our riders,” commented Tasha Bartholomew, Communications Manager at SamTrans.
For New Flyer, this is the largest single order for H2 buses in the company’s history. The OEM is part of the NFI Group, which also includes the MCI, Alexander Dennis, Playton and Arboc brands. “Our partnership with SamTrans spans nearly 35 years,” says Chris Stoddart, President of North American Bus and Coach at NFI. “During that time, New Flyer has delivered more than 175 buses, 27 of which were zero-emission. The technology advancements included in this next-generation vehicle will drive a high level of performance while delivering a reduction in environmental impact and improvements to air quality for the community.”
0 Comments