San Diego Modernizes Mass Transit Fleet with 73 Compressed Natural Gas Buses
The city of San Diego’s mass transit system is acquiring 73 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses from manufacturer NFI.
The bus supply, though NFI’s New Flyer of America subsidiary, will provide San Diego Metropolitan Transit System with 50 40-foot and 23 60-foot Xcelsior heavy-duty CNG buses. The $64 million transaction arrives in the fourth year of a five-year contract between SDMTS and New Flyer.
“MTS and New Flyer have built a strong partnership over many years, and this new order keeps our bus fleet modern and efficient,” said Sharon Cooney, MTS CEO, in a statement. “Safety and reliability in our fleet are at the top of our priorities. These Xcelsior buses ensure our passengers continue to experience dependable, high-quality transit service across San Diego County.”
CNG engines reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% compared to diesel, according to Freightliner. And while CNG may lag slightly in power to gasoline and diesel, it is less flammable and also often less expensive.
San Diego Metropolitan Transit is transitioning its fleet to lower and zero-emission vehicles. The fleet includes dozens of electric buses as well as nearly 100 CNG vehicles.
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