The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) has introduced four new zero-emission buses into its fleet, supported by a 2.9 million USD grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
The addition includes two battery-electric and two hydrogen fuel cell buses, marking a step forward in The COMET’s efforts to modernise its services and reduce environmental impact.
Initially entering pilot service, the vehicles will be fully integrated into daily operations across the Midlands, South Carolina, from May 2025.
Michelle Ransom, The COMET’s Grants and Regional Coordination Manager said:This is the result of four years of strategic planning and hard work by our team. We’re thrilled to see our vision become reality and excited for passengers to experience these innovative new buses.
The grant, awarded in 2021 through the FTA’s Low or No Emission Vehicle Program, has funded both the acquisition of the vehicles and the supporting charging and fueling infrastructure.
The investment is part of The COMET’s broader strategy to transition to lower-emission technologies and improve the efficiency of public transport across the Midlands.
Maurice Pearl, Executive Director/CEO of The COMET said:This deployment marks a significant achievement in our transition to a more sustainable fleet. We thank the FTA for its continued partnership and look forward to expanding zero-emission mobility throughout the Midlands.
The Xcelsior CHARGE NG battery-electric buses from New Flyer offer a range of up to 254 miles per charge and feature fast-charging capability and simplified maintenance. They are suited to high-frequency urban routes.
The Xcelsior CHARGE FC hydrogen fuel cell buses can operate for up to 370 miles on a single refill and produce no emissions apart from water vapour. These buses can be refuelled in under 20 minutes, supporting operational flexibility.
Combined, the new buses are projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 540 tons annually compared to traditional diesel-powered vehicles.
