Hoboken, N.J.-based Academy Express LLC awarded New Flyer a contract for six Xcelsior CHARGE™ battery-electric, 40-foot heavy-duty transit buses complete with three charging stations.

The buses will be deployed in 2018 on Columbia University's Intercampus Shuttle network, operating between locations in Manhattan, New Jersey, and Rockland County serving over 30,000 students per year, with over 20,000 students using the Intercampus Shuttle network per month.

Introduction of New Flyer's battery-electric, zero-emission buses support Columbia University's Sustainability Plan, which aims to reduce transportation emissions through greener campus fleets and commute alternatives. The purchase is supported by New York State Electric Vehicle Voucher Incentive Funds focused on advancing clean vehicle technologies in New York.

"We are proud to support Academy Bus and Columbia University with their transition to sustainable transportation," said Wayne Joseph, president of New Flyer of America. "Our zero-emission, battery-electric buses not only lend positive environmental impact for students and the surrounding communities, but also feature American innovation in motion on the streets of New York and New Jersey."

"Academy maintains a long standing mutually beneficial relationship with Columbia University," said Francis Tedesco, president of Academy Bus. "We are excited to bring New Flyer's industry-leading technology on campus, and to assist the university with its aim of reducing emissions for the shuttle service."