The Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD), which serves the Champagne, Urbana and Savoy districts of Illinois has awarded New Flyer a contract for two zero-emission, hydrogen fuel cell-electric 60’ Xcelsior CHARGE H2 articulated transit buses. Since 1993, New Flyer has supplied 175 buses to MTD, and today its fleet is 85% hybrid. The latest Xcelsior CHARGE H2 buses use Ballard Power Systems fuel cell technology.
“New Flyer congratulates MTD on this milestone accomplishment in America’s zero-emission adoption, with the first commercial order of sixty-foot fuel cell-electric buses,” said Chris Stoddart, President, New Flyer. “Since 1993, we have worked closely alongside MTD to transform mobility in the Champaign, Urbana, and Savoy regions with innovative, fully accessible, and more sustainable transit. Today, we celebrate another accomplishment in a long-standing partnership that is pioneering a zero-emission future powered by fuel-cell electric propulsion.”
MTD transports nearly 12 million passengers per year on its bus service, paratransit service, rural service, half fare cab, MCORE, the Illinois Terminal, and efforts to encourage walking, biking, and ride sharing. “We’re proud to rely on New Flyer through the continued evolution of the MTD fleet,” said Karl Gnadt, Managing Director of MTD.
“For years we have counted on New Flyer buses for safe, reliable, and efficient transportation, and our future with zero-emission Xcelsior CHARGE H2 buses will bring cleaner air, quiet transportation, and healthier environments to our community. Together, we are truly leading the way to greater mobility.”
