New Flyer of America Inc. delivered two pilot buses to Metro Transit as part of a contract awarded to New Flyer for 14 Xcelsior CHARGE™ battery-electric, 60-foot heavy-duty transit buses (28 equivalent units or “EUs”). To support the deployment, New Flyer Infrastructure Solutions™ was awarded an $8.72 million contract from Bi-State Development, the operator of Metro Transit, for the construction of battery-electric bus charging infrastructure.

The procurement, led by Metro Transit and supported by Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds, will integrate zero-emission vehicles to supplement the existing MetroBus fleet — becoming the first deployed into regular permanent service in the Metro Transit system.

New Flyer’s Infrastructure Solutions team is partnering with Burns & McDonnell, a Kansas City-based national engineering firm, as well as local teams and experts to complete the planning, engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning of both long-range depot charging and on-route rapid charging infrastructure.

“Battery electric buses represent our commitment to creating a more environmentally and economically efficient transit system. We will begin the shift to a leaner and greener operation, not just with the battery electric buses but with infrastructure and our operating facilities,” said Metro Transit Executive Director Jessica Mefford-Miller. “We want the best for our region and are looking toward building long-term sustainable mobility options. With New Flyer, we know we can count on quality buses and leading zero-emission technology to provide clean, quiet transportation.”

Bi-State Development operates the Metro Transit public transportation system for the greater St. Louis region, providing MetroBus, MetroLink light rail, Metro Call-A-Ride paratransit services in eastern Missouri and southwestern Illinois. Bi-State Development also owns and operates St. Louis Downtown Airport, the Gateway Arch Riverboats, the trams at the Gateway Arch, and the region’s freight district — the St. Louis Regional Freightway.