New Flyer launches autonomous technology program for buses

New Flyer of America Inc. and New Flyer Industries Canada ULC (collectively “New Flyer”), subsidiaries of NFI Group Inc. (“NFI”), the largest bus manufacturer in North America, today announced the launch of their Autonomous Technology Program. This program includes development and deployment of technology for Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (“ADAS”) and Automated Vehicles (“AV”), with a guiding principle focused on public safety.

To ensure safe interaction among transit operators, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and interaction of buses, New Flyer will leverage the internet of things (an extension of internet connectivity to physical devices and everyday objects) to build connectivity in sharing public roadways. Secondary benefits of New Flyer’s Autonomous Technology Program include operational efficiency, productivity, and energy reduction.

“New Flyer is incredibly proud to make this step toward automation of transit buses,” said Chris Stoddart, President, New Flyer. “Transit agencies across North America have been asking for progressive technology, regulators have shown commitment and support to technology advancement, and passenger confidence has been increasing as they experience autonomous technology firsthand. Now is the time to continue leading our industry with innovative firsts, just as we have for the past nine decades. We look forward to driving our technology roadmap forward over the coming year.”

Vehicle-to-Infrastructure technology, often referred to as “V2I”, will be required for smart mobility development, with infrastructure as a critical element to successful deployment of AV transit buses. New Flyer will continue to engage smart city, transportation technology, and infrastructure stakeholders to align with, support, and further its technology roadmap to complement industry efforts. New Flyer Infrastructure Solutions™ will support these efforts with development and deployment of smart charging solutions. Through the Vehicle Innovation Center, North America’s first and only innovation lab dedicated to the advancement of bus and coach technology, New Flyer will also foster industry collaboration and support workforce development through delivery of hands-on, educational programming related to the safe deployment of ADAS and AV technology.

About New Flyer

New Flyer is North America's heavy-duty transit bus leader and offers the most advanced product line under the Xcelsior® and Xcelsior CHARGE™ brands. It also offers infrastructure development through New Flyer Infrastructure Solutions™, a service dedicated to providing safe, sustainable, and reliable charging and mobility solutions. New Flyer actively supports over 41,000 heavy-duty transit buses (New Flyer, NABI, and Orion) currently in service, of which 7,300 are powered by electric motors and battery propulsion and 1,600 are zero-emission.