Metro Transit introduces zero-emission BRT to Minneapolis with New Flyer Buses

Metro Transit introduces zero-emission BRT to Minneapolis with New Flyer Buses

ST. CLOUD, MN, June 28, 2018 /CNW/ - (TSX: NFI) New Flyer of America Inc. ("New Flyer"), the U.S. subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., the largest transit bus and motor coach manufacturer and parts distributor in North America, today announced that the Metropolitan Council of Minneapolis has awarded a new contract for eight heavy-duty, sixty-foot Xcelsior CHARGE™ battery-electric transit buses (or 16 equivalent units).

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," said Wayne Joseph, President, 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."

The buses will bring zero-emission public transit to Metro's new C-line, a dedicated bus rapid transit ("BRT") route operated by Metro Transit ("Metro") and scheduled to open in 2019. The battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE™ buses support Metro's focus on updated amenities, faster boarding, and a more streamlined service to the community.

"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," said Metro Transit General Manager Brian Lamb. "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."

Metro is one of the country's largest transit systems, with 130 bus routes covering seven Minnesota counties. Metro plans to connect 200,000 people a day to almost half a million jobs across the region with a new rapid bus network. Ridership along Route C alone is expected to grow to 9,000 rides a day by 2030.

The NFI Group has over 50 years of experience in manufacturing zero-emission buses (ZEBs).

About NFI Group

With nearly 6,000 team members, operating from 32 facilities across Canada and the United States, NFI Group Inc. is North America's largest bus manufacturer providing a comprehensive suite of mass transportation solutions under several brands: New Flyer^® (heavy-duty transit buses), ARBOC^® (low-floor cutaway and medium-duty buses), MCI^® (motor coaches), and NFI Parts™ (parts, support, and service). NFI Group's buses incorporate the widest range of drive systems available including: clean diesel, natural gas, diesel-electric hybrid, and zero-emission electric (trolley, battery, and fuel cell).  For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, NFI Group posted revenues of US $2.4 billion.

NFI Group Inc. common shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol NFI. News and information are available at www.nfigroup.com.

About New Flyer

New Flyer is North America's heavy-duty transit bus leader and offers the most advanced product line under the Xcelsior^® and Xcelsior CHARGE™ brands. New Flyer actively supports over 44,000 heavy-duty transit buses (New Flyer, NABI, and Orion) currently in service, of which 7,300 are powered by electric motors and battery propulsion and 1,600 are zero-emission. Further information is available at www.newflyer.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements relating to expected future events and financial and operating results of NFI Group that involve risks and uncertainties. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, investors cannot be assured that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and the differences may be material. Actual results may differ materially from management expectations as projected in such forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including market and general economic conditions and economic conditions of and funding availability for customers to purchase buses and to purchase parts or services, customers may not exercise options to purchase additional buses, the ability of customers to suspend or terminate contracts for convenience and the other risks and uncertainties discussed in the materials filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Due to the potential impact of these factors, the NFI Group disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law.      

SOURCE New Flyer of America Inc.