New Flyer of America Inc. (New Flyer), the U.S. subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., announced that the Metropolitan Council of Minneapolis has awarded a new contract for eight heavy-duty, 60-foot Xcelsior CHARGE™ battery-electric transit buses (or 16 equivalent units).

The purchase of the charging technology and Minnesota-built buses is supported by a $1.75 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration.

“As the Minneapolis-Saint Paul community continues to expand, supporting its growth with zero-emission BRT improves transit mobility while eliminating emissions and creating sustainable solutions,” said Wayne Joseph, president, New Flyer of America. “We are proud to have delivered over 300 buses to Metro Transit to date, and are thrilled to continue our relationship with the introduction of our efficient, next-generation, battery-electric bus: the Xcelsior CHARGE.”

The buses will bring zero-emission public transit to Metro’s new C-line; a dedicated bus rapid transit (BRT) route operated by Metro Transit (Metro) and scheduled to open in 2019. The battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE™ buses support Metro’s focus on updated amenities, faster boarding, and a more streamlined service to the community.

“Metro Transit is always striving to improve the quality of life in the Twin City region with a commitment to excellence in cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and innovation,” said Metro Transit GM Brian Lamb. “As electric, articulated buses join other buses along the C Line Bus Rapid Transit Line, they will cut fuel costs and decrease emissions along corridor, paving the way for other long-term zero-emission possibilities.”

Additionally, the Metropolitan Council of Minneapolis has exercised options for six heavy-duty, 60-foot Xcelsior® clean diesel transit buses (or 12 equivalent units).

The buses will also be operated on Metro’s new C-line, a BRT route.

Metro is one of the country's largest transit systems, with 130 bus routes covering seven Minnesota counties. The agency plans to connect 200,000 people a day to almost half a million jobs across the region with a new rapid bus network. Ridership along Route C alone is expected to grow to 9,000 rides a day by 2030.