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since a portal for accepting electronic submissions had not yet been established.

Many voices in the industry were unhappy that it took the government this long to do something for private bus operators. Others are happy to see things finally moving along. However, applying for funding may not be easy since there will only be a four-week window after the portal opens to apply. Hence, it is suggested that bus operators work closely with one of the two national associations since they will have current information and be able to make suggestions.

Here is the basic information available at this time.

Applicants will be expected to register with www.ID.me identity service. If you want to apply for a grant, you should register. Once the CERTS grant portal is open, there will be a four-week deadline in submitting applications. The applications are not competitive but will be subject to uniform review. It has been suggested that applicants will be able to monitor progress once their application is submitted.

It is expected that the Treasury will look for information from your tax documents to determine past revenues and employment. In particular, they will try to compare your operations in 2019 with 2020. You will be expected to submit a current USDOT registration number or the equivalent from a state. Expect to provide information on your fleet by vehicle type. They will want to know the number of motorcoaches you operate in your fleet to come up with a percentage or proportion for grant purposes. Once the grants are awarded, you will have one year to use the funds.

While NATIONAL BUS TRADER will provide additional information when and if possible, it is strongly suggested that the timing for grant applications is critical and it is advised that readers get information from the national associations.

Vice President Kamala Harris Visits Thomas Buses

In time for Earth Week, Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) celebrated several milestones on the road to electric including a visit from Vice President Kamala Harris to the Thomas Built Buses (TBB) production plant in High Point, North Carolina, the inauguration of Electric Island in Portland and the continuation of the Freightliner Electric Roadshow.

Vice President Harris’ visit highlighted the usability and value of electric school buses. She met with John O’Leary, president and CEO, DTNA, as well as several TBB employees who outlined the benefits of electric buses and demonstrated the technology and ingenuity behind commercial electric vehicle manufacturing.

“Welcoming Vice President Harris to Thomas Built Buses was an honor and a privilege, ” said O’Leary. “It’s exciting to see our electric vehicles recognized by the administration, and to have her visit take place the same week we inaugurate the first public electric vehicle charging station specifically designed for commercial vehicles, and as we continued showcasing the all-electric Freightliner eCascadia and eM2 for customers with our innovative roadshow. ”

TBB’s Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley runs tail-pipe emissions free, noise-pollution free and has a 135-mile operating range. With nearly 50 Jouleys already delivered, school districts across the country, from Alaska to Virginia, have already incorporated electric school buses in their daily operations.

The same week and a day before Earth Day, Electric Island, the first-of-its-kind charging station specifically designed with medium- and heavy-duty vehicles in mind and open to the public, celebrated its grand opening. Available to electric commercial vehicles and passenger cars alike, the station is the first one aligned to the blueprint of the West Coast Clean Transit Corridor Initiative (WCCTCI). The grand opening event featured TBB’s Jouley, an electric city bus, and Freightliner’s eCascadia and eM2.

NFI Celebrates Earth Day

NFI Group Inc. (NFI or the Company), a leading independent bus and coach manufacturer and a leader in electric mass mobility solutions, announced on April 22 that its electric vehicles (EVs) have collectively travelled more than 40 million zero-emission miles. Through this milestone, NFI EVs have prevented nearly 150,000 imperial tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from entering the environment – the equivalent of removing 23,000 cars from the road for one year.

In addition, NFI announced that New Flyer Infrastructure Solutions™ , NFI’s full-suite infrastructure project management service, has now installed more than 200 EV chargers .

“Today’s achievements are tomorrow’s gains. In reaching 40 million electric miles across NFI’s EV line up, we continue to decrease the carbon footprint of transportation while delivering clean, safe, quiet mobility powered by our advanced zero-emission technology, ” said Paul Soubry, president and chief executive officer, NFI. “Decades of strengthening our core competencies –including scalable customized manufacturing, lifetime service and support, technology innovation and workforce development –have led to these milestones and established NFI as a leader in the EV market. ”

NFI’s industry-leading EV offering includes the broadest range of vehicles: single- and double-deck, heavy-duty transit buses, motorcoaches and medium-duty buses. NFI has been manufacturing electric vehicles since 1969, and its current offering includes battery-electric and fuel-cell electric variants.

NFI meets urban mobility demands through a unique four pillar approach, including: 1. Vehicles (buses and coaches); 2. Infrastructure;

Vice President Kamala Harris (second from right) visited the Thomas Built Buses plant in High Point, NorthCarolinaforEarthWeek.Thomashasalreadydeliveredmorethan50battery-electricJouleyschool buses.Operatingwithouttailpipeemissions,the Jouleyhasanoperatingrangeofabout135miles.

3.Smart, connected technology; and 4.Workforce development.

This approach directly meets the call posed by this year’s Earth Day theme to “Restore Our Earth,” inviting innovative thinking, emerging green technologies and climate restoration to ecosystems.

“In recognition of Earth Day, NFI is committed to leading electrification of mass mobility around the world,” said Soubry. “With over 600 engineers globally, our ability to design and deploy sustainable technology is unmatched. We remain relentless in our delivery of four-pillar mobility solutions, as well as our ultimate pursuit of more livable communities, cleaner air, decreased GHG emissions and a protected environment – all of which contribute to mitigating climate change.”

NFI is a leader in zero-emission mobility with battery-electric and fuel-cell electric vehicles operating in more than 80 cities in four countries that have completed more than 40 million electric service miles. NFI also operates the Vehicle Innovation Center, the first and only innovation lab of its kind dedicated to advancing bus and motorcoach technology and providing essential workforce development through electric bus training, now available online. NFI is testing automated vehicle technology and remains committed to the development of technology standards that deliver safe, clean, sustainable, connected mobility options to communities.

Large Trucks Involved in Work Zone Accidents

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently called on all drivers to “share work zones safely” by staying alert, obeying traffic signs and allowing all vehicles extra space as the nation’s annual roadway repair and construction season commences.

“Fatal crashes occurring in work zones are both tragic and absolutely preventable,” said FMCSA Deputy Administrator Meera Joshi. “I am especially concerned that large trucks continue to have a disproportional involvement in fatal crashes occurring in work zones – 33 percent – when large trucks comprise roughly five percent of vehicular traffic. Don’t allow yourself to become distracted, slow down, obey the signs and the instructions of flaggers and be courteous and safe by giving every vehicle extra space. Highway workers equally depend on you for their safety.”

The Department’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) reports that in 2019, the most recent year for which data are available, 842 people died in highway work zone crashes compared to 757 the year before. The 11.2- percent increase is the largest percentage increase of highway work zone fatalities this century.

For its part in supporting National Work Zone Awareness Week, FMCSA will be concentrating its safety awareness efforts in three states – Florida, Georgia and Texas – which, unfortunately, experience some of the highest rates of work zone crashes involving large trucks in the country. In those states, motorists can expect to hear public service announcements and see safety messaging on billboards as they approach work zones.

FMCSA has also developed educational resources, including fact sheets, post cards and shareable social media infographics for safety advocates to help amplify work zone messaging. Arkansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania – also states that have a high number of fatal crashes in work zones each year – will be conducting special activities such as holding educational workshops for commercial vehicle drivers and placing safety signage at weigh stations.

For more information and shareable resources on FMCSA’s 2021 work zone safety campaign, visit https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ourroads/workzone-safety-shareable-material.

Thomas Delivers 50th Electric School Bus

Thomas Built Buses (TBB), a leading manufacturer of school buses in North America, its exclusive Virginia dealer, Sonny Merryman Inc., and Proterra Inc (“Proterra”), a leading

FMCSA recently announced that large trucks have a disproportional involvement in fatal crashes in work zones. Part of the problem may be due to impatient automobile drivers cutting off a truck or bus. This would be a good idea to bring up at bus driver training sessions to suggest special care in work zones.

NFI celebrated Earth Day by announcing that its electric vehicles have travelled more than 40 million zero-emission miles. The company has been manufacturing electric vehicles since 1969 and current ly offers both battery-electric and fuel cell buses. Shown here is their Xcelsior CHARGE™ AV model.

innovator in commercial vehicle electrification technology, celebrated the delivery of the 50th Saf-TLiner C2 Jouley battery-electric school bus. The milestone delivery went to Loudon County Public Schools in Virginia as part of phase one of Dominion Energy’s Electric School Bus Initiative.

“We are thrilled to support our valued customers in leading the way for a cleaner future for the country and for our students, ” said Caley Edgerly, president and CEO of TBB. “This milestone delivery is an important marker for Thomas Built Buses and a turning point in our industry as we pave the way for a future of electric school buses. ”

In 2018, TBB and Proterra unveiled the high-performance Jouley electric school bus. Now, these 50 nationwide deployments represent the first Thomas Built, Proterra-powered, battery-electric school buses to hit the roads as cities, towns and school districts transition to all-electric school bus fleets.

• In Virginia, TBB and Sonny Merryman Inc. were selected as the exclusive provider of 50 electric school buses to 15 public school districts for the first phase of Dominion Energy’s electric school bus program. The first of these buses, which represent the first batteryelectric buses in Virginia, were delivered in November of 2020. • In Michigan, Ann Arbor and Roseville Public Schools are operating six Jouleys in partnership with DTE Energy. DTE Energy will also initiate a Vehicle to Grid (V2G) study to obtain data regarding the energy efficiency and environmental benefits of electric vehicles and develop programs that benefit the schools based vehicle capabilities.

• In Massachusetts, the City of Beverly and Beverly Public Schools recently unveiled its first Jouley in partnership with Highland Electric Transportation, a solutions provider for electric school buses based in Hamilton, Masachusetts. The bus will further participate in a V2G strategy deployed by Highland Electric Transportation and utility provider, National Grid. • In Alaska, Tok Transportation is operating the first battery-electric school bus in the state, a Jouley, in partnership with the Alaskan Energy Authority. • In Indiana, Monroe County Community Schools and Delphi Community Schools both recently received their first Thomas Built electric school buses.

“Switching to electric school buses means cleaner air for our kids to breathe and a healthier planet for them to enjoy. With 50 electric school buses on the road today and more to follow, Proterra is proud to partner with Thomas Built Buses as we shape a clean transportation future for students and families across the country, ” said Gareth Joyce, president of Proterra Powered & Energy.

“There is no question the future of human mobility, including buses and global sustainability, is electric, which is why we are so excited about our role in delivering the first electric school buses in Virginia and the 50th Thomas Jouley nationwide. With demand for electric school buses coming from all levels, including state and federal government, utilities and school divisions, this will be the first of many significant milestones for the deployment of Jouley school buses, ” said Floyd Merryman, president & CEO of Sonny Merryman Inc.

Transitioning to electric school buses offers multiple benefits to students and the community. In addition to providing a transportation solution with zero tailpipe emissions, battery-electric vehicles offer greater efficiency with fuel cost savings as well as lower maintenance and operating costs.

TBB and Proterra offer school bus operators a comprehensive, turn-key electric vehicle program that includes EV planning and funding consultation, electric school buses, charging systems and charging infrastructure design and installation. The Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley couples 226 kWh of total energy capacity from Proterra’s industry-leading battery technology, the highest standard battery capacity in the industry, with a Proterra electric drivetrain to offer unparalleled energy efficiency and up to 135 miles of drive range to meet the needs of school bus fleets.

Proterra Powered leverages Proterra’s electric vehicle technology and expertise to help commercial vehicle manufacturers electrify their vehicles. As an OEM that uses its own battery technology to power its fleet of heavy-duty electric transit buses, Proterra brings more than a decade of experience manufacturing, testing and delivering EVs.

Simcoe Buys Vicinity Buses

Vicinity Motor Corp. (formerly Grande West Transportation Group), a leading supplier of electric, CNG, gas and clean diesel buses, on April 29 announced the receipt of a new purchase order from the County of Simcoe in Ontario, Canada for four Vicinity™ buses for a total value of more than $1.6 million.

Per the terms of the supply agreement, the County of Simcoe will order three of the company’s 30-foot Vicinity buses as well as one larger 35-foot Vicinity bus for delivery in the first half of 2022.

“We are pleased to have secured this $1.6+ million agreement with the County of Simcoe, continuing our strong legacy as a leading bus supplier within the robust Canadian market, ” said William Trainer, founder and chief executive officer of Vicinity Motor Corp. “Our core business and strong reputation provide a springboard as we help enable the transition to low-emission and zero-emission options at public transit agencies across North America. We look forward to continued traction in our home market in the quarters ahead, supporting us as we expand into the lucrative U.S. market alongside our tier-1 distribution partners. ”

Thomas Built Buses recently announced that they have delivered 50 battery-electric Jouley school buses. The milestone bus went to Loudon County Public Schools in Virginia. In addition to fuel cost savings,theelectricschoolbusesalsolowermaintenanceandoperatingcosts.

ADL Delivers Double-Deckers for English Coastal Route

Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL), a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc. (NFI), one of the world’s leading independent global bus

manufacturers, recently announced the delivery of two low carbon Enviro400 buses to independent West Norfolk operator Lynx. Lynx is a locally owned and totally independent bus operator in West Norfolk, an area north of London, which was set up in 2015 by a group of local people with many years’ experience of running quality bus services in the area.

The two new Enviro400 vehicles represent Lynx’s first order with ADL and have gone into service on the Coastliner 36 route between King’s Lynn, Hunstanton, Wells-next-the-Sea and Fakenham. The 38-foot, 76-seat buses are equipped with personalised Lynx-brand interior colors, glazed skylights, luggage rack, tables, USB chargers and bespoke moquette on the seats, which are generously spaced to give passengers a comfortable journey experience.

Lynx Managing Director Julian Patterson said: “We’re delighted that these new buses are now in service. They will be a great addition to our fleet as we continue to develop our business further and deliver even more for our customers. ”

ADL Retail Sales Director Richard Matthews said: “We’d like to thank Lynx for this first order with us. These new buses will deliver a high standard of comfort and reliability for their customers and we look forward to working with Lynx again in the future. ”

Keolis Wins Electric Bus Contract in Sweden

On April 16, 2021, Keolis was awarded a 10-year contract, worth €150 million, by Västraffik, Gothenburg's public transport authority (PTA), to operate and maintain articulated fully electric buses. The contract is scheduled to come into force in June 2022. It includes replacing the city’s biodiesel and biogas-powered buses with fully electric ones and adapting three depots so they can maintain and charge the electric vehicles. This is part of Västraffik’s goal of converting its city bus fleet into electric buses by 2030. The award reflects Västraffik’s confidence in Keolis as a partner in converting its buses into electric ones across the region in order to provide reliable, clean and comfortable mobility solutions to Gothenburg’s residents and visitors.

Bernard Tabary, CEO International of Keolis Group said: “We are honored that Västraffik, with whom we have been partners since 2010, has entrusted us with operating and maintaining the 100 percent e-bus network in Gothenburg. We look forward to supporting our public transport authority partner in rolling out electric buses and making the necessary changes to the infrastructure that will improve the daily life of Gothenburg’s residents. Keolis’ expertise in electromobility will doubtless be a key factor in the success of this project. ”

Gothenburg and its metropolitan area are home to 1.5 million residents. Located in the south-western part of the country, it is Sweden’s second largest city. This contract is part of Västraffik’s strategic goal of converting its city bus fleet into electric buses by 2030.

The network features two lines and will carry 17 million passengers per year. The articulated electric buses are expected to cover 2.9 million kilometres annually. The e-buses can be charged at the three depots across the network, all of which will be adapted and equipped with overnight charging facilities. To deploy e-buses and adapt the infrastructure, Keolis can count on the best practices developed and lessons learnt in deploying alternative energy fleets in France, Norway, the Netherlands and the US. With these 100 percent electric buses, Keolis is committed to enhancing the passenger experience, providing a quieter and more sustainable transport solution, while preserving the environment. q

Alexander Dennis Limited, a part of the NFI group, recently delivered two double-deck Enviro400 busestoLynxinWestNorfolk,England.Theyareapproximately38feetlongandseat76passengers in an interior that includes a luggage rack, tables and USB chargers. The buses will be used on a coastalroutealongabay.

KeolisrecentlywonitsfirstelectricbuscontractinSweden.TheawardcamefromVästraffic,thepublic transportauthorityinGothenburg,Sweden. Keoliswilloperateandmaintainarticulatedelectricbuses inagoaltoconverttoanall-electicfleetby2030.