NFTA: First LFS Natural Gas bus partnership in the United States for Nova Bus

October 14, 2014 Partners
NFTA: First LFS Natural Gas bus partnership in the United States for Nova Bus

Nova Bus 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.

“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.”

NFTA’s new Nova LFS Natural Gas buses are built on the same proven and reliable low-floor platform as the Nova Bus vehicles NFTA has used since 2000. The structural integrity of our single platform, built from reliable American-made stainless steel, maximizes drivers’ and passengers’ safety.

The brand new Nova LFS Natural Gas buses integrate the latest in natural gas technology. Combined with our Nova 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.

The Nova LFS Natural Gas buses come equipped with the latest Nova eCooling system. This proprietary, built-in electric engine cooling technology marks a step towards greener efficiency. It significantly reduces fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and life cycle costs.

The new vehicles also feature an advanced hePEX tubing system designed to replace the traditional copper tubes of heating systems. HePEX tubes and connectors have been widely used in Volvo buses and trucks for years. They reduce vehicle weight and simplify maintenance since there is no welding or bonding involved. Buses also feature a rooftop catwalk, designed to facilitate maintenance and inspection.

About Nova Bus

Nova Bus is a leading provider of sustainable transit solutions in North America. Its portfolio includes hybrid electric buses, high-capacity vehicles and integrated intelligent transportation systems. Following its Electro MobilityTM strategy, Nova Bus is moving forward with the electrification of its vehicle key components to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Nova Bus is part of the Volvo Group. For more information regarding Nova Bus products and services, please visit www.novabus.com.