The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has awarded a contract to New Flyer of America for the supply of 80 40-foot low-floor battery-electric buses.
This contract is valued at 119 million USD and includes an initial base order of 48 conventional electric buses and 32 with street-side boarding capability for use on the Harvard busway.
The contract also provides MBTA with options to purchase up to an additional 380 battery-electric buses.
“This contract demonstrates the T’s commitment toward reducing its emissions and is another step toward reaching our climate goals. In addition to reducing the Authority’s greenhouse gas emissions, these 40-foot battery electric buses have many amenities to enhance our riders’ experience, like flip-up seats, accessibility features, and dual-sided passenger information screens.”
This procurement positions the MBTA to meet the 2022 Massachusetts Climate Law mandate to fully electrify its fleet by 2040.
The 40-foot buses will have a range of 120 miles and will feature several safety features, such as the ability to monitor the high-voltage battery systems and provide early fault detection.
Their delivery will be coordinated with the opening of MBTA’s upgraded North Cambridge bus facility in 2025 and the new Quincy bus facility in 2026.
The modernised North Cambridge facility will accommodate 32 electric buses, while the new Quincy facility will provide storage and maintenance bays to accommodate up to 120 electric buses.
Furthermore, the MBTA Board of Directors has also approved the release of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a wholesale renewable electricity supply contract valued at up-to-120 million USD.
