NFI Group Inc. announced that its subsidiary New Flyer Industries Canada ULC (New Flyer) has received new firm orders from the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) for 134 Xcelsior 40-foot hybrid-electric heavy-duty transit buses, and 68 Xcelsior 60-foot hybrid- electric buse.

The two four-year contracts include options for up to additional 263 forty-foot hybrid-electric buses and 100 60-foot buses, respectively. In total, NFI will add 733 EUs to its backlog from firm and option orders.

TTC delivers more than 526 million annual passenger trips through its bus, subway, streetcar, and paratransit services in Toronto.

All 202 of the buses will be equipped with BAE Systems’ next-generation Modular Accessory Power System, offering a lightweight modular design. The buses are also configured with geo-fencing technology, that through GPS navigation, will turn off the diesel engine and operate in zero-emission electric mode when entering designated areas.

In addition to the awards received and added to backlog, the 40-foot hybrid-electric heavy- duty transit bus contract also includes 600 options made available to other Ontario-based transit agencies. Agencies can use these additional options to make their own electric bus purchases.

“NFI’s leadership in hybrid-electric mobility spans 20 years, supplying more hybrid buses in North America than any other manufacturer,” said Chris Stoddart, president, North American Bus and Coach. “Our partnership with TTC started 55 years ago. Since 1968, we have delivered nearly 1,000 vehicles, including 25 battery-electric buses — making New Flyer the only provider of both hybrid-electric and battery-electric buses to TTC. With these new buses, NFI adds the ability to meet green zone regulations through intermittent zero-emission operation, and ultimately, is helping accelerate TTC’s transition to zero-emission and building a more livable GTA.”