Winnipeg, Manitoba (September 1, 2004) By the end of 2004, 309 New Flyer hybrid powered, heavy-duty, urban transit buses will be operating throughout North America, accumulating over one million revenue service miles, and reducing airborne emissions by up to 90%. New Flyer offers clean diesel, diesel-electric, gasoline-electric, natural gas and electric trolley powertrains in 30, 35, 40, and 60-foot configurations, the broadest offering of any North American bus manufacturer.

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) has recently received twenty additional New Flyer diesel-electric, low-floor hybrids (DE40LF), three of which are being used to transport delegates during the Democratic and Republican National Conventions.  King County Metro and Sound Transit (both of Seattle, WA); Albuquerque, NM; and Honolulu, HI will also receive New Flyer diesel-electric hybrid buses this year.

Pat Nowakowski, Assistant General Manager at SEPTA said, “SEPTA is extremely proud of our diesel-electric hybrid bus fleet manufactured by New Flyer.  Our fleet of 32 vehicles is used in routine daily service with no special treatment and has achieved greater reliability numbers than its diesel counterpart.  In addition to emission superiority, which we have confirmed with extensive testing, the hybrids have achieved 25% greater gas mileage, superior brake lining life and they accelerate faster.”

Jim Boon, Manager of Vehicle Maintenance, King County Metro said, “One of the more appealing things about a hybrid is that it has almost no impact to the infrastructure of a normal transit agency.”  Mr. Boon added, “It (the New Flyer DE60LF) performs well, provides good comfort, has an acceptable noise level, good emissions and excellent reliability.  We’re very pleased with our fleet purchase of 213 vehicles and the support New Flyer delivers with their product.”

"We started evaluating hybrid technology in 1995 and delivered our first vehicle in 1998 to Orange County, CA" added Paul Smith, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at New Flyer.  Mr. Smith went on to say, "Customers such as SEPTA and Seattle have been important partners in the development of our hybrid program.”

Recent environmental research has demonstrated that diesel-electric and gasoline-electric hybrids significantly reduce harmful Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) and Particulate Matter (PM) emissions and lower operational expenditures for transit agencies when compared to traditional diesel and natural gas buses. Hybrid-electric buses efficiently blend engine power with electric power during operation.  When stopping or decelerating, regenerative braking is captured and converted to electric energy, storing it in batteries located on the roof of the vehicle.  Benefits include fuel savings of up to 40%, reduced emissions of up to 90% and operational savings from reduced wear on mechanical components.

John Marinucci, President and CEO of New Flyer, said "a significant portion of our production is dedicated to hybrids in 2004.  Our customers have had great success with their hybrid programs and New Flyer has emerged as the industry leader in this field."  Mr. Marinucci added, “hybrid technology serves as a springboard for near zero and zero emission buses, while reducing our reliance on imported, non-renewable fossil fuels.”

Recent changes to California emission laws now allow the purchase of diesel-electric hybrids for transit bus fleets.  California has the most stringent emission laws in North America and is leading the way in improving air quality in their state while reducing their reliance on imported fossil fuels. 

"The transit industry has done a better job of adopting clean fuels and advanced propulsion systems than any other sector,” added John Boesel, President and CEO of WestStart-CALSTART. “This progress would not have been possible without the leadership of transit bus manufacturers such as New Flyer."  Mr. Boesel went on to say, “From gasoline hybrids to natural gas buses, New Flyer Industries is playing a leadership role in terms of providing affordable buses that improve air quality, reduce dependence on foreign oil, and produce fewer greenhouse emissions.”

David Mazaika, President and CEO of ISE Corporation, said “ISE is very excited to have its hybrid drive product line offered for volume commercial sales by the market leader in alternative fuel and hybrid buses, New Flyer. New Flyer's highly regarded products combined with ISE's advanced drive systems, offer customers an environmental friendly, heavy-duty bus unparalleled in the industry. We look forward to our continued partnership in providing efficient, clean buses to the transit industry.”  

Last fall, New Flyer announced orders to Seattle, WA (King County and Sound Transit) for the supply of 235 DE60LF's (Allison EP50) and Long Beach Transit (CA) for the supply of 27 GE40LF's (gasoline electric hybrids). New Flyer's GE40LF utilizes an ISE/ThunderVolt series hybrid electric drive and a Ford Triton V10 gasoline, ultra low emission engine.  ISE Research Corporation of San Diego, CA developed the gasoline-electric hybrid technology, as well as other alternative propulsion technologies.  The New Flyer GE40LF is currently the only certified hybrid drive system in California and the lowest emission, heavy-duty bus drive system of any tested by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

New Flyer hybrids are operating in Orange County, CA; San Bernardino, CA; Portland, OR; Salt Lake City, UT; Hartford, CT; Philadelphia, PA; Seattle, WA; Austin and Houston, TX.  Upcoming deliveries include Long Beach, CA; Norwalk, CA; Montebello, CA; Honolulu, HI; Albuquerque, NM; City of Commerce, CA; Fresno, CA; Gardena, CA; Aspen, CO; and Victoria, BC