The Chicago Transit Board recently approved the purchase of up to 600 new, 40-foot clean-diesel buses from Nova Bus.

The decision allows for the purchase of at least 100 buses and options to purchase an additional 500 buses, which will enable the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) to maintain safe and reliable service while gradually retiring the oldest buses in its fleet.

CTA’s bus system currently consists of 140 routes that make over 25,000 trips daily and serve nearly 12,000 bus stops throughout the Chicago region.

As the second largest public transportation system in the U.S., CTA will implement the new 40-foot LFS buses as part of its ongoing effort to modernize its fleet. The buses will be similar to those added to the CTA fleet in 2018, but offer a host of features to improve the customer experience and promote safety, including improvements to the wheelchair ramps at the front door, a larger surface area and a reduced slope, making it easier for wheelchairs to use.

CTA expects first prototypes of the buses in the coming months, with deliveries beginning in early 2022.

End of the Line: Nova Bus Ending U.S. Bus Production