METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

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.

Washington, D.C. Region’s Metro Orders 95 Xcelsior Buses

The new buses will replace end-of-life vehicles, and provide an improved passenger experience

Photo: Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

1 min to read


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.

Ad Loading...

“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

Cover of METROspectives episode with The Bus Coalition
BusMarch 20, 2026

Inside The Bus Coalition’s Push for Stronger Federal Transit Investment

In this conversation, TBC’s Executive Director Ed Redfern, President Corey Aldridge, and Washington Representative Joel Rubin outline the coalition’s key policy priorities, the challenges facing transit agencies, and how industry stakeholders can work together to strengthen the voice of bus transit at the federal level.

Read More →
County and agency officials break ground in front of a red and yellow King County Metro public transit bus.
Busby StaffMarch 20, 2026

Seattle’s King County Breaks Ground on RapidRide I Line to Expand High-Capacity Transit

The 17-mile RapidRide I Line will bring faster, more frequent service and improved regional connections across South King County.

Read More →
paratransit bus
SponsoredMarch 16, 2026

Measuring the True Cost of Paratransit Fleets

What truly drives the cost of a paratransit fleet? Beyond the purchase price, seven operational factors quietly determine maintenance frequency, downtime, and long-term service reliability. This whitepaper explores how these factors shape lifecycle cost and what agencies should evaluate when selecting paratransit vehicles.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Cover photo for METROspectives with The Bus Coalition
Busby Alex RomanMarch 13, 2026

Inside The Bus Coalition’s Push for Stronger Federal Transit Investment

In this conversation, TBC’s Executive Director Ed Redfern, President Corey Aldridge, and Washington Representative Joel Rubin outline the coalition’s key policy priorities, the challenges facing transit agencies, and how industry stakeholders can work together to strengthen the voice of bus transit at the federal level.

Read More →
Cover photo for Biz Briefs dated March 6, 2026
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsMarch 6, 2026

Biz Briefs: Tolar Manufacturing Supports PSTA Spark Service and More

Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

Read More →
Passengers boarding a PRT bus
Busby StaffMarch 2, 2026

Pittsburgh Unveils 'Bus Line Refresh' Plan

Originally introduced in 2023 as the Bus Line Redesign, the effort has evolved into a more targeted update that maintains familiar routes while improving reliability, frequency, evening and weekend service, and connections across Allegheny County.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Stickers and a paper bus for S3 bus line
Busby StaffMarch 2, 2026

Seattle's Sound Transit Breaks Ground on S3 Bus Line

S3 will connect communities along SR 522 with fast, reliable, battery-electric bus service from Shoreline South Station to Bothell via Kenmore and Lake Forest Park. 

Read More →
PRT bus stop with articulated bus.
Busby StaffFebruary 20, 2026

Pittsburgh Regional Transit Announces All-Door Boarding on the University Line

All-door boarding will allow passengers to pay while entering the front, middle, or rear doors of the University Line’s 60-foot articulated buses.

Read More →
Patrick Scully, president at Complete Coach Works.
Managementby StaffFebruary 18, 2026

Complete Coach Works Names Patrick Scully President

He succeeds the company founder, Dale Carson, who remains chairman of the board. 

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A MARTA articulated bus.
Busby StaffFebruary 13, 2026

Atlanta's MARTA Sets Date for 'A-Line' BRT Launch

The five-mile Rapid A-Line connects Downtown Atlanta to Capitol Gateway, Summerhill, Peoplestown, and the Beltline’s Southside Trail.

Read More →