New Flyer, BC Transit celebrate 25 CNG bus delivery

New Flyer Industries Canada ULC, the Canadian subsidiary of New Flyer Industries Inc. (NFI Group), congratulated Whistler Transit on the delivery of 25 compressed natural gas (CNG) 40-foot, heavy-duty transit buses to the community of Whistler via BC Transit Corporation (BC Transit).

The event, which took place at the Whistler Transit Office, celebrated the arrival of new CNG buses and pending completion of CNG fueling infrastructure. It welcomed representatives from BC Transit, the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, and FortisBC, including Pamela Goldsmith-Jones, MP for West Vancouver; Nancy Wilhelm-Morden, Mayor of Whistler; and Manuel Achadinha, BC Transit president/CEO.

“This project is a result of partnerships with all three levels of government and FortisBC to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of transit in Whistler,” said Achadinha. “I look forward to seeing the New Flyer CNG buses on the road connecting people and communities in Whistler.”

The purchase, supporting scheduled vehicle replacement, also builds sustainability in transportation as mandated by BC Transit’s Strategic Plan 2030. It also supports Whistler’s growing presence of low-emission transit. In 2010, Whistler Transit housed the world’s largest single location hydrogen fuel-cell fleet implemented in regular service.

“We are proud to provide Whistler with an environmentally sustainable, low-emission transit solution,” said Wayne Joseph, president of the Transit Bus Business at New Flyer. “New Flyer is committed to advancing innovation in public transportation, and to preserving the environment through improved technology and low-emission options. As a leader in sustainability, Whistler has set the standard to support its growth through low-emission transit, and to help the community to thrive as a four-season playground.”

BC Transit provides services to over 130 communities across British Columbia in collaboration with local government partners, and transports 52.3 million passengers annually.

The NFI Group has over 85 years of experience manufacturing buses in Canada and is focused on advancing vehicle innovation through development of Canadian-based intellectual property and removal of barriers to adopting zero-emission vehicles and autonomous driving technologies.