Champaign-Urbana presents USA’s first 100% renewable bus hydrogen fleet thanks to NFI

New Flyer Industries Group congratulated the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD) on the unveiling of its first in America renewable transportation project. MTD’s “Riding on Sunshine” project will see the deployment of zero-emission, fuel cell-electric Xcelsior Charge H2 buses from NFI subsidiary New Flyer of America, refueled with a 100% renewable hydrogen supply powered by solar energy.
MTD is the public transportation provider in the cities of Champaign, Urbana, and Savoy regions of Illinois, delivering nearly 10 million rides annually through a full range of mobility services.

Driven by a mission of leading the way to greater mobility, MTD is the first in the United States to commercially order sixty-foot zero-emission (18 meters), hydrogen fuel cell buses. MTD’s purchases were supported by the FTA and the Center for Transportation and the Environment.

Champaing Urbana goes straight to hydrogen

MTD celebrated the milestone alongside Federal Transit Administration, Administrator Nuria Fernandez, American Public Transportation Association, President Paul Skoutelas, Senator Dick Durbin, Congressman Rodney Davis, Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman, and NFI President and Chief Executive Officer, Paul Soubry, who said: «The evolution to green mobility begins with forward-thinking transit agencies like MTD. Since 1993, NFI has delivered nearly 200 buses to MTD, and is pleased to now provide New Flyer Xcelsior Charge H2 fuel cell-electric buses in support of MTD’s transition to zero emission. We’re excited to have been selected to support MTD’s game changing deployment of hydrogen technology, that also incorporates solar power for a truly sustainable outcome».

Karl Gnadt, Managind Director and Ceo MTD, said: «MTD has always been forward thinking, and this project puts MTD right out on the cutting edge. We invite members of the public and the industries of transportation and energy to learn about our project and celebrate this advancement in climate resiliency».

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