Nova Bus partners with York Region Transit to grow bus rapid transit fleet

York Region Transit (YRT) has ordered 15 Nova LFS Artic articulated buses valued at $14M, with annual options extending until 2014. The high-capacity vehicles are set to be delivered in late 2010.

ST-EUSTACHE, QC, April 14 /CNW Telbec/ - Nova Bus will provide vehicles with advanced styling and factory-installed Intelligent Transport System (ITS) features specially tailored for Viva, YRT's bus rapid transit system. Combined with the LFS Artic's proven performance and reliability, onboard information tools will ensure maximum productivity and help operating firm Veolia provide optimal service.

Standard features such as third doors and wide aisles help improve passenger flow and reduce travel times. The interior design and advanced amenities, including interior lighting and tables, enhance convenience and comfort, delivering a superior transportation experience and promoting ridership.

YRT was seeking not only to expand its fleet with sleek vehicles that would harmonize with existing Viva buses, but also to work in a close business partnership with the manufacturer, something that has long been an integral part of Nova Bus's approach. As Rick Takagi, Manager of Capital Assets for York Region Transit, explained, "Our Viva service is unique and needs to remain state-of-the-art. We needed a combination of advanced aesthetics and quality, which we found in the Nova LFS Artic."

Jean-Pierre Baracat, Vice President of Business Development for Nova Bus, commented on the pre-production work on these unique vehicles, stating, "There has been a tremendous amount of collaborative effort to develop these modern, stylized vehicles that truly reflect the Viva identity. We look forward to producing these buses for YRT and contributing to their continued growth." Richard J. Leary, General Manager of York Region Transit, concluded, "We are happy to be working with Nova Bus as we enter this new phase of Viva service."

Since launching production of the LFS Artic, Nova Bus has been awarded contracts for rapid-transit type buses in cities such as New York, Halifax, Quebec, Montreal, and Saskatoon.

About Nova Bus

Nova Bus is a leading provider of sustainable transit solutions in North America, including hybrid buses, high-capacity vehicles and integrated intelligent transportation systems. The company relies on a team driven by the challenges of public transit with regard to mobility, safety, and productivity. Nova Bus is part of the Volvo Bus Corporation. For more information regarding Nova Bus products and services, please visit www.novabus.com

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For further information: Nadine Bernard, [phone], [email protected]