METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Connect Transit replaces portion of fleet with New Flyer buses

The conversion is funded through a $3.3 million grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation.

October 23, 2017
Connect Transit replaces portion of fleet with New Flyer buses

10 New Flyer Xcelsior buses will replace part of Connect Transit's 42-bus fleet.

1 min to read


10 New Flyer Xcelsior buses will replace part of Connect Transit's 42-bus fleet.

New Flyer of America Inc. announced that Ill.-based Bloomington-Normal Bus System, operating as Connect Transit, has exercised an option for 10 Xcelsior® clean diesel, forty-foot heavy-duty transit buses, which will be converted from the backlog.

The purchase, which is supported by a $3.3 million Illinois Department of Transportation grant, will revitalize the Connect Transit experience for passengers by replacing nearly a quarter of its 42-bus fleet starting in 2018.

Ad Loading...

“We are proud to support Connect Transit in revitalizing its fleet with clean diesel buses,” said Wayne Joseph, president of New Flyer of America. “As it works toward its Vision for 2021, including sustainability, reliability, operational excellence, value, and innovative leadership in transportation, New Flyer will be there every step of the way to help Connect Transit build a stronger community while protecting the surrounding environment.”

“These ten new buses will allow us to replace our aging fleet, and help us continue to grow ridership in our community,” said Isaac Thorne, CEO of Connect Transit.

Connect Transit moves approximately 2.3 million people per year in the Bloomington-Normal area in Illinois



.

More Bus

A Nova LFSe+ electric bus for STM
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsJune 18, 2026

Biz Briefs: Montréal Debuts Nova Electric Buses and More

In this edition of Biz Briefs, we spotlight the latest developments shaping the future of mobility.

Read More →
Zero-emissions bus with FLEETWATCH technology
ManagementJune 17, 2026

The Hidden Cost of Fuel Data Inaccuracy in Public Transit Fleets

In today's transit environment, accurate fuel and mileage data are critical to reducing costs, minimizing downtime, and improving fleet performance.

Read More →
Six-Year Plan Boosts Virginia Transit, Rail Investments
Managementby StaffJune 17, 2026

Virginia's $28.5B Transportation Plan Targets Transit and Rail

Approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the program supports ongoing infrastructure projects while providing new investments in transit, state of good repair and transportation alternatives.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Group announcing BUSES Act
Motorcoachby StaffJune 16, 2026

Bipartisan BUSES Act Seeks Changes to New York City's Bus Idling Enforcement Program

Backed by motorcoach operators, the legislation seeks to balance emissions goals with passenger safety by allowing limited idling for inspections, accessibility needs and extreme weather conditions.

Read More →
An LA Metro D Line train in Union Station
Managementby StaffJune 16, 2026

D Line Expansion Fuels Growth Across LA Metro's Rail System

Weekend rail ridership was especially strong, soaring 18% as riders embraced expanded access to jobs, entertainment, dining, and cultural destinations, said the agency. Total system ridership for May, including bus and rail, was 26,966,657.

Read More →
An ENC bus being manufactured in its facility.
Busby StaffJune 10, 2026

ENC to Deliver Three Clean Diesel Buses to Canada's York Region Transit

Since 2005, City View and ENC have supplied nearly 90 E-Z Rider II buses to YRT.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Frontrunner's new facility in Billerica, Massachusetts.
Busby StaffJune 8, 2026

Frontrunner Bus Group Expands with New Massachusetts Headquarters

The significantly larger facility will provide the infrastructure needed to support the company’s growing workforce, advanced technologies, and expanding product line.

Read More →
New MobilityJune 5, 2026

Joshua Schank on Transportation Innovation, Risk, and the Future of Mobility

In this edition of METROspectives, Joshua Schank discusses lessons from launching LA Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation, the challenges of advancing new mobility technologies, and much more.

Read More →
A maintenance person with a tablet.
ManagementJune 5, 2026

Reinventing Fleet Maintenance with Real-time Visibility and AI

Transit leaders need to know what needs fixing, where to look, who is responsible, when work is completed, and what it costs without having to chase information across disconnected systems.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SamTrans planning for ballot measure
Managementby StaffJune 4, 2026

SamTrans Sets Priorities for Potential Connect Bay Area Revenue

The board-approved framework allocates future funding to maintaining service, rider improvements, equity initiatives, and infrastructure repairs.

Read More →