NFI Secures Contract for 45 CNG Buses with Central Ohio Transit Authority
News related to:NFI Group Inc · 2 min read
ST. CLOUD, Minn., Sept. 15, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- NFI Group Inc, a leading manufacturer of buses and motorcoaches, has secured a significant contract with the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) for up to 45 sixty-foot Xcelsior® compressed natural gas (CNG) heavy-duty transit buses. The firm order, which includes 12 buses, will be added to New Flyer’s third quarter 2026 backlog, while the option for 33 additional buses will be added to the company’s option backlog.
The contract supports the launch of a new bus rapid transit (BRT) service in Columbus and surrounding communities, replacing end-of-life vehicles. The purchase is part of COTA’s broader initiative to expand high-capacity transit service across the region, with funding secured through the Low or No Emission (Low-No) Grant Program.
This latest award marks a new milestone in the longstanding partnership between NFI and COTA, which has seen the delivery of over 230 buses, including 102 CNG-powered vehicles. The articulated Xcelsior CNG buses will enhance COTA’s fleet, contributing to the agency’s vision for high-capacity transit and supporting regional growth.
Monica Tellez-Fowler, COTA President/CEO, added, “The addition of articulated buses to our fleet is another important step toward building the rapid transit system Central Ohio needs and deserves. As our region continues to grow, we must invest in the capacity, infrastructure, and service needed to move more people efficiently and reliably. These vehicles will help us deliver on the promise of LinkUS and bring high-capacity rapid transit closer to reality for our customers and communities.”
COTA, established in 1974, serves the greater Columbus metropolitan area, providing fixed-route bus, bus rapid transit, paratransit, and microtransit services. With a network carrying over 12 million passenger trips annually, COTA continues to expand its service to meet the transportation needs of one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States.
The introduction of New Flyer’s 60-foot Xcelsior CNG buses will further strengthen COTA’s investment in high-capacity transit, designed to improve mobility, support regional growth, and enhance the customer experience along its BRT corridors. The buses will contribute to the agency’s efforts to reduce emissions and promote sustainable transportation options.
NFI, with over 9,000 team members across ten countries and operations spanning over 40 facilities, supports a diverse and extensive portfolio, serving public transit, commuter, and coach markets. Through its brands New Flyer, MCI, Alexander Dennis Limited, ARBOC, and NFI Parts, NFI offers a broad range of propulsion systems, including zero-emission electric, natural gas, electric hybrid, and advanced diesel technologies.
This contract is a testament to NFI’s commitment to providing innovative and sustainable transportation solutions to transit authorities across North America. As COTA continues to expand its BRT service, the new buses will play a crucial role in enhancing the region’s public transportation infrastructure.