Washington, D.C. Region’s Metro Orders 95 Xcelsior Buses
Metro serves the Washington DC metropolitan area and provides approximately 79 million annual trips on 136 bus lines.
The new buses will replace end-of-life vehicles, and provide an improved passenger experience
Photo: Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) ordered 95 Xcelsior 40-foot heavy-duty transit buses from New Flyer of America Inc. (New Flyer) in the final year of its existing five-year contract comprised of one base year and four option years.
Supported by Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds, the new buses will replace end-of-life vehicles, and provide an improved passenger experience, while also delivering on WMATA’s 2019-2028 Strategic Plan focused on improving the transportation system’s safety and reliability.
“Since 1995, NFI has delivered over 2,040 buses to Metro and the agency continues to rely on NFI's proven transit technology to keep Washington moving,” said Chris Stoddart, president, North American bus and coach, NFI. “New Flyer’s Xcelsior bus features effective emission controls that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the cost of bus operation. Together, we are providing the community with safe, efficient, and reliable transportation.”
More Bus
New York MTA Plans Largest Bus Fleet Upgrade in More Than a Decade
The agency is seeking manufacturers for 650 new CNG buses to replace aging vehicles, improve reliability, and advance its broader fleet modernization strategy.
Read More →
Building a Flexible Path to Transit Electrification
John Hroncich discusses BAE Systems’ modular and scalable approach, lessons learned from decades of real-world operations, and how agencies can identify electrification strategies that fit their fleets.
Read More →
Bus Tech Talk: Keeping Transit Technicians Ahead of the Technology Curve
LA Metro’s Obed Mejia discusses technician training, evolving maintenance technology, fleet replacement, and strategies for getting the most out of today’s transit fleets.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: RIPTA Unveils New Frontrunners, Clevland RTA Adds New Siemens, and More
In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Siemens, Prevost, Dodge, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.
Read More →
People Movement: Holly Arnold Joins Transdev and More
In this edition, we also cover recent appointments and announcements at Pace, CamTran, MCI, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
Read More →
The High Cost of Transit Buses: Industry Leaders Look to Procurement Reform
Transit leaders and policymakers examine how standardized bus designs, streamlined procurement, and predictable funding could help agencies stretch budgets and deliver better service.
Read More →
The Business Voice Behind Public Transportation
As chair of APTA’s Business Members Board of Governors, Ray Melleady explains how more than 850 business members are partnering with transit agencies to advance funding, innovation, and industry-wide collaboration.
Read More →
From Surviving to Thriving: Building Stronger Transportation Organizations
Bus Business Consultants founder Brian Dickson shares lessons on leadership, organizational health, and creating options for long-term success in a changing transportation industry.
Read More →
Finding the ‘Happy Medium’: Optimizing Maintenance Without Sacrificing Reliability
The key to maintenance optimization isn’t doing less work—it’s doing the right work at the right time on the right assets.
Read More →
LA Metro, City of West Hollywood, and Partners Advance Smarter Bus Lane Enforcement
The award-winning partnership combines AI-powered detection with human oversight to improve bus reliability, accessibility, and enforcement efficiency.
Read More →