Spokane Transit is adding 12 new Flyer Xcelsior CHARGE EVs to its fleet

The Spokane Transit Authority (STA) unveiled its first 60-foot Xcelsior CHARGE ™ City Line five-door zero-emission bus under a contract won by New Flyer in June 2020.

The contract, previously unannounced by New Flyer, covered 10, 60 foot and two 40 foot Xcelsior CHARGE ™ battery-electric heavy-duty transit buses.

The Xcelsior CHARGE ™ bus is the first of 10 City Line buses operating on STA’s new 6-mile bus rapid transit route (BRT), serving downtown to Spokane Community College for mobility and to revive economic development in building STA branding through recognizable BRT vehicles.

“STA is rapidly moving towards a sustainable future. We have been innovating alongside STA for over 20 years and are now switching to zero-emission buses with five-door entry and exit options, ”said Chris Stoddart, President of New Flyer and MCI. “STA can offer ADA-accessible boarding at every door and will use our SmartRider technology for intelligent leveling of the bus. In addition, the BRT buses can support multimodal journeys through multiple internal bike racks. As Spokane grows, we will continue to provide efficient and clean mobility that not only improves air quality, but also improves the passenger experience and builds more livable communities. “

The order for 12 emission-free buses fulfills STA’s commitment to sustainable mobility through its 10-year plan STA Moving Forward, which aims at a better transit service and the construction of a special BRT route with emission-free buses and an associated infrastructure offers long-term benefits of cleaner air and quieter transport.

“Our partners at New Flyer have developed a sleek, modern, customer-centric vehicle that also meets our industry’s environmental goals for the transition to zero-emission buses,” said Brandon Rapez-Betty, STA director of communications and customer service. “As the marquee on Spokane’s first Bus Rapid Transit route, the City Line, we worked with New Flyer to create a distinctive brand experience both outside and inside in order to appeal to the broadest possible audience of transit users. We look forward to introducing the City Line in 2022 when we start rebuilding passenger numbers in the post-pandemic period. “

The powerful 60-foot buses are equipped with five doors, the SmartRider ™ smart suspension system from New Flyer and inner bike racks to make it easier for passengers to get on and off.