The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) has taken another step towards sustainable public transportation by ordering seven hydrogen fuel cell buses from New Flyer, a subsidiary of NFI Group. The procurement is supported by funds from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and includes an option for up to 100 more buses under a five-year contract.
The new H2 buses, the Xcelsior Charge FC in the 18-metre version, will be used on the Maryland Parkway, a 13-mile bus rapid transit route in Las Vegas. This route is designed to expand bus service, reduce air pollution, and enhance passengers’ comfort, safety, and security. The buses have 52 seats and can accommodate up to two wheelchairs.
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New Flyer claims that the Xcelsior can travel more than 370 miles (about 595 km) on one tank, and emit between 85 and 175 tonnes less CO2 than comparable diesel buses. This is a significant contribution to reducing air pollution, as buses are known to be one of the main sources of pollution in urban areas.
The procurement of these new buses is a testament to the successful partnership between RTC and New Flyer. This is the third order that RTC has placed with the company, spanning over 30 years of partnership. Chris Stoddart, President of NFI Group’s North American bus business, said: “Once again, this order is RTC’s third EV order to NFI, demonstrating NFI’s undeniable leadership in the electrification of mass mobility.
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The transition to sustainable public transportation is an essential step towards reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality in our cities. The procurement of these new fuel cell buses is an excellent example of how public transport providers can lead the way in this transition. It is hoped that other public transport providers will follow suit and prioritize sustainable transportation solutions in their procurement strategies.
