The Transit Authority of the City of Omaha (Omaha Metro) awarded New Flyer an order for 18 35-foot Xcelsior® heavy-duty transit buses. The new buses, awarded in three separate orders, are a combination of compressed natural gas, which produces fewer pollutants than other types of fuel, and clean diesel, which uses a four-step process to filter harmful emissions.
The buses are also low-floor vehicles capable of “kneeling,” making the boarding process more convenient and fully accessible, while maintaining Omaha Metro’s 100% ADA-accessible fleet. The order will replace older, existing buses with more efficient models.
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“These new buses help Omaha Metro provide a transportation system that is citizen-focused, efficient, and well-managed,” said Curt Simon, executive director of Omaha Metro.
The buses are a part of Omaha Metro’s plan to reduce fleet emissions through replacement. In the last few months, Omaha Metro has replaced nine paratransit vans with CNG-powered vehicles and is in the process of installing 50 durable, solar-powered bus shelters. Upcoming improvements include GPS bus tracking and onboard Wi-Fi.
“New Flyer is proud to support Omaha Metro in upgrading its fleet with more economical, comfortable, and reliable vehicles,” said Wayne Joseph, President, New Flyer of America. “We are thrilled to provide more low and no-emission buses that fit Omaha Metro’s goals of providing accessible transit to all, with increased efficiency that helps conserve the environment.”
Metro is responsible for the operation of fixed route, express/commuter bus downtown weekday rush hour, and Americans with Disabilities Act Complementary Paratransit Service within the city limits of Omaha. Its mass transit system includes approximately 4,000 posted bus stops and delivers over 4.5 million rides per year.
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