New Flyer of America Inc. broke ground on a $25 million building renovation and expansion project in Anniston, Ala. Photo: New Flyer
3 min to read
New Flyer of America Inc. broke ground on a $25 million building renovation and expansion project in Anniston, Ala. Photo: New Flyer
New Flyer of America Inc. broke ground today on a $25 million building renovation and expansion project in Anniston, Ala. The 36-acre, five-building campus will feature a new Vehicle Innovation Center (VIC), North America’s first innovation lab dedicated to the advancement of bus and coach technology. The VIC will be led in partnership with Motor Coach Industries Inc. (MCI), another U.S. subsidiary of the company, and delivers on the company’s commitment to improving U.S. jobs, infrastructure, manufacturing, and innovation.
“Repairing infrastructure through advanced technology is paramount to America’s competitiveness, safety and prosperity. Through New Flyer’s investment in advanced engineering and manufacturing, we have the potential to dramatically transform the future of public transportation in the U.S.,” said Wayne Joseph, President of New Flyer of America. “We are proud to power sustainable new technologies, collaborations for smart cities and opportunities to connect people to places.”
Ad Loading...
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey was in attendance to commemorate the groundbreaking. Photo: New Flyer
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey was in attendance to commemorate the groundbreaking, as part of her Listen, Learn, Help, and Lead Tour to assess community needs through roundtable discussions with local government and business leaders. New Flyer’s investment in the expansion was supported by the City of Anniston, State of Alabama, and Alabama Power (Southern Company).
Establishment of the VIC also includes development of an advisory group comprised of industry leaders. The VIC will formally open in October 2017, with the expansion expected to be completed by June 2018. Through ongoing delivery of interactive experiences and collaboration with industry leaders, the VIC will feature a world-class manufacturing lab, exhibit space, and training areas to:
Explore and advance bus and coach technology through sustainable research and development, fresh innovation, progressive manufacturing, and bold thinking;
Foster dialogue through discussion, education, and training on the latest zero-emission and autonomous driving vehicle technologies;
Engage learning through current and interactive exhibits, simulation and hands-on experiences, and observations;
Ad Loading...
Generate energy and commitment to clean air quality, safety, and economic benefits for people, communities, and business; and
Harness the positive influence of collaboration, environmental stewardship, and social change to advance mobility solutions.
The 36-acre, five-building campus will feature a new Vehicle Innovation Center (rendering shown) dedicated to the advancement of bus and coach technology. Image: New Flyer
“We are proud to join forces with New Flyer of America in bringing the Vehicle Innovation Center to life,” said Ian Smart, president of Motor Coach Industries. “By leveraging our strengths, we will amplify our industry-leading development of bus and coach technologies, and we look forward to driving American innovation forward with sustainable electric and autonomous solutions.”
Development of the VIC is supported by New Flyer and MCI partners, each contributing interactive learning experiences that highlight New Flyer’s electric and autonomous vehicle technologies. Partners confirmed to date include: Siemens, ABB, A123 Systems, XALT Energy, Parker / Vansco, Valeo (Spheros), Vapor Bus International (WABTEC), Powerex Inc., Ballard Power Systems, Hydrogenics, ChargePoint, Thermo King, EMP, Center for Transportation and the Environment, CALSTART, and Alabama Power. Elements of the VIC will be on display October 9-11 at the tri-annual APTA Expo in Atlanta.
The 2017-2018 expansion will add approximately 76,000 square feet, increasing New Flyer's Anniston, Ala. campus space to nearly 380,000 square feet (rendering shown). Image: New Flyer
The Anniston, Ala. campus, acquired by New Flyer of America in 2013, manufactures complete transit buses from high-strength frames to final assembly. In 2015, New Flyer invested $20 million to transform the campus into a world-class LEAN manufacturing facility capable of producing New Flyer’s Xcelsior® heavy-duty bus platform. The 2017-2018 expansion will add approximately 76,000 square feet, increasing the Anniston campus space to nearly 380,000 square feet.
The company has over 50 years of experience in manufacturing zero-emission buses (ZEBs); has 24 fabrication, manufacturing, distribution, and service centers across Canada and the U.S.
Complete Parts features new branding with a new logo, a new contact telephone number, a dedicated order desk, enhanced processes and inventory, all designed to provide the parts bus operations need.
Accessible transit isn’t a feature—it’s a responsibility. This whitepaper explores how the Low-Floor Frontrunner is redefining mobility with a breakthrough design that removes barriers, empowers riders, and delivers measurable operational advantages for agencies. Discover why this next generation minibus is setting a new standard for inclusive transportation.
SEPTA was awarded $43 million in competitive grant funding from the FTA's FY25 Low and No Emission and Bus and Bus Facilities grant programs to support this procurement.
In part 1 of a two-part conversation, AC Transit’s director of maintenance joins co-hosts Alex Roman and Mark Hollenbeck to discuss his journey from the U.S. Marines to public transit and the role mentorship plays in developing the next generation of industry leaders.
When construction is complete, battery-electric buses will operate from the Arborway facility on Day One, providing cleaner, quieter, and more reliable service for riders, the MBTA said. After completion, the old facility will be demolished, and the land will be made available for redevelopment.
Nadine S. Lee, who has served as president/CEO since July 2021, said the decision comes after careful reflection on the agency’s progress and its path forward.
In this conversation, TBC’s Executive Director Ed Redfern, President Corey Aldridge, and Washington Representative Joel Rubin outline the coalition’s key policy priorities, the challenges facing transit agencies, and how industry stakeholders can work together to strengthen the voice of bus transit at the federal level.
What truly drives the cost of a paratransit fleet? Beyond the purchase price, seven operational factors quietly determine maintenance frequency, downtime, and long-term service reliability. This whitepaper explores how these factors shape lifecycle cost and what agencies should evaluate when selecting paratransit vehicles.
