CANADA Canadian-based manufacturer New Flyer Industries Inc. achieved a new milestone recently with the delivery of its 4,000th CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) bus.
“This achievement comes for us at a pivotal point in the industry,” said Paul Soubry, New Flyer’s president and chief executive officer. “Our customers are experiencing both economic and environmental pressures, and the interest in alternative fuels continues to grow. This milestone is not only an opportunity to celebrate our success, but it reinforces our leadership in CNG bus manufacturing at a critical time when the industry needs it the most.”
New Flyer has been building CNG buses since 1994, longer than any other heavy-duty bus manufacturer in Canada or the USA. Over the past two decades, the company has developed a wealth of expertise, resulting in a CNG system recognised as being incredibly robust which is supported by demonstrated success in revenue service. More than 60 transit systems successfully operating these buses.
The manufacturer also claims its CNG buses offer many benefits not available from other bus manufacturers. The fuel storage and delivery system is specifically designed for New Flyer buses; it is not purchased from another supplier, which means it is integral to the overall design and not an add-on.
While the system purports to exceed current CNG standards and safety requirements it additionally, although not required by law, includes a fire detection system.
The buses are designed for a 350 to 400 mile range and their tanks are certified for 20 years instead of the standard 15 years.
New Flyer says its overall plumbing system is very robust, yet simple in its design and execution, which results in fewer connections and fewer parts which minimizes leaks and failures, and hence reliability.
