Nova Bus, part of the Volvo Bus Corporation and based in St-François-du-Lac, Québec, has confirmed an $11 million contract with Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) for 20 LFS Natural Gas buses, with options for up to 166 buses over the following 5 years. Buses will run in the streets of the Buffalo Niagara region starting in early 2016.
NFTA plans to use the new Nova LFS Natural Gas to replace vehicles that were purchased between 1996 and 2000 and have exceeded their useful lives. The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority oversees public transportation in Erie and Niagara counties in New York State and contributes to quality of life improvements in the Buffalo Niagara region, such as smart mobility.
The vehicles come with a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Cummins ISL-G, 280 HP engine, 20-year cylinder certification, natural gas detection system, and 9 type 3 roof-mounted cylinders.
“Renewing our partnership with NFTA is a welcome opportunity to strengthen our presence in the State of New York,” said Jean-Pierre Baracat, President of Nova Bus. “Nova Bus is celebrating the fifth anniversary of its Plattsburgh plant this year and we are thrilled to sign a new contract with fellow New Yorkers NFTA,” he added.
The buses will be assembled in New York State and meet Buy America requirements. Nova Bus and the Volvo Group rely on a network of more than 350 component suppliers in the United States, including 47 in New York State alone.
Kimberley A. Minkel, NFTA Executive Director said, “We are very much looking forward to the arrival of our CNG buses as part of our continuing Going Green initiative. They will substantially reduce our carbon footprint and provide welcome operating efficiencies for our Metro fleet.”
The brand new Nova LFS Natural Gas buses integrate the latest in natural gas technology. Combined with Nova’s eCooling Smart Technology, these vehicles score high with fuel savings and define a new generation of natural gas powered buses. They emit substantially lower greenhouse gases than diesel-powered buses, thanks to simplified exhaust aftertreatment. “Nova Bus now has different types of propulsion to help business partners improve their carbon footprint and the urban environment of their communities in budget-friendly fashion,” said Jean-Pierre Baracat, President of Nova Bus.
(Source: Nova Bus)
