CNG buses from New Flyer in California. A follow up order by NCTD

The North County Transit District has exercised options for 50 Xcelsior compressed natural gas buses, converted from New Flyer’s backlog. The first option conversion occurred in 2020 with 20 buses ordered, with the remaining 30 ordered in 2021.

CNG buses for NCTD

The options are part of a five-year contract with NCTD (that provides public transport services North San Diego County) established in 2016 for up to 103 Xcelsior CNG thirty-five or forty-foot buses. The order, supported by Federal Transit Administration funds, replaces older, end-of-life vehicles with lower-emission and more efficient buses that deliver increased sustainability. With the addition of these buses, NCTD will reduce the average age of its BREEZE bus fleet from 11 to 6.3 years old by August 2021.

New Flyer’s Xcelsior CNG buses offer immediate emission reduction with 90% less nitrogen oxide (NOx) than traditional diesel engines, and eliminate the need for particulate filters and regeneration cycles, the manufacturer points out.

“For over 25 years, New Flyer has delivered more than 230 buses to NCTD. Adding 50 more low-emission CNG buses allows for the continued reduction of greenhouse gas emissions,” said Chris Stoddart, President, North America Bus and Coach. “NCTD relies on New Flyer to power mobility that helps build livable communities. With more than 13,000 CNG buses on the road, our technology is critical to achieving more sustainable transportation across North America.”