The Transit Authority of the City of Omaha (Omaha Metro) has ordered 18 35-foot Xcelsior buses from New Flyer. Awarded in three separate contracts, the vehicles are a combination of compressed natural gas (CNG) and ‘clean’ diesel, which uses a four-step process to filter harmful emissions.
Omaha Metro is responsible for providing fixed route and express/commuter services, as well as Americans with Disabilities Act Complementary Paratransit Services within the city limits of Omaha. Its mass transit system incorporates approximately 4,000 bus stops and more than 4.5m passenger journeys are undertaken annually.
The new buses are a part of Omaha Metro’s plan to continue to reduce emissions through fleet renewal. In the last few months, it has replaced nine paratransit vehicles with CNG-powered alternatives and it is in the process of installing 50 durable, solar-powered bus shelters. Upcoming enhancements that are to be incorporated include GPS bus tracking and onboard WiFi.
“These new buses help Omaha Metro provide a transportation system that is citizen-focused, efficient, and well-managed,” said Curt Simon, Executive Director of Omaha Metro.
“New Flyer is proud to support Omaha Metro in upgrading its fleet with more economical, comfortable, and reliable vehicles,” said Wayne Joseph, President, New Flyer of America. “We are thrilled to provide more low and no-emission buses that fit Omaha Metro’s goals of providing accessible transit to all, with increased efficiency that helps conserve the environment.”
