Dedicated and permanent federal funding
focused on zero-emission adoption and electric mobility
across Canada
All monetary amounts in this press release are in Canadian
dollars.
WINNIPEG, MB, Feb. 12, 2021 /CNW/ - (TSX: NFI) NFI Group
Inc. ("NFI" or the "Company"), one of the world's leading
independent bus and coach manufacturers, welcomed the
Government of Canada's
announcement of an eight-year, $14.9
billion public transit funding program. The announcement,
made by Prime Minister Justin
Trudeau and Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
Catherine McKenna, includes
$5.9 billion in dedicated project
funds starting in 2021, and ongoing permanent funding of
$3 billion per year beginning in
2026-2027.
The announcement – the largest public transit investment in
Canadian history – includes a focus on zero-emission and electric
transit. Through its brands New Flyer®, MCI®,
Alexander Dennis®, and
ARBOC®, NFI has been leading the
ZEvolutionTM to zero-emission mobility for
decades. NFI is proud to offer Canada's widest range of zero-emission
vehicles and full suite infrastructure solutions, including
battery-electric and fuel-cell-electric buses that together have
driven more than 4.5 million miles in North America.
The monumental $14.9 billion
commitment enables Canadian transit agencies to execute on plans to
drive cleaner, sustainable transportation across the country. NFI
has long advocated for ongoing zero-emission and transit funding in
collaboration with the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA),
and the Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium
(CUTRIC), and is pleased to see the outcome of strategic industry
efforts.
"The Canadian government is making good on its commitment to
'build back better' by investing in permanent and predictable
public transit funding to help local governments plan current and
future procurements," said Paul
Soubry, President and Chief Executive Officer, NFI. "We have
worked closely with CUTA, CUTRIC, and Unifor to advocate and
educate on zero-emission adoption. Together, we're making safer,
greener communities a reality for everyone."
"The world of transportation is changing, and Canada is well positioned to be a leader in
driving the evolution to zero-emission public transit," said
Chris Stoddart, President, New Flyer
and MCI. "Net zero is achievable, and we look forward to supporting
Canadian transit agencies as they deliver on the Government's
vision of a more sustainable, healthier environment for all."
About NFI Group
Leveraging 450 years of combined experience, NFI is leading the
battery-electric transition of mass mobility around the world. With
zero-emission buses and coaches, infrastructure, and technology,
NFI meets today's urban demands for scalable smart mobility
solutions. Together, NFI is enabling more livable cities through
connected, clean, and sustainable transportation.
NFI is a leading independent global bus manufacturer providing a
comprehensive suite of mass transportation solutions in ten
countries under brands: New Flyer® (heavy-duty transit
buses), Alexander Dennis Limited (single and double-deck buses),
Plaxton (motor coaches), MCI® (motor coaches),
ARBOC® (low-floor cutaway and medium-duty buses), and
NFI Parts™. NFI vehicles incorporate the widest range of drive
systems available including: clean diesel, natural gas,
diesel-electric hybrid, and zero-emission electric (trolley,
battery, and fuel cell). In total, NFI now supports over 105,000
buses and coaches currently in service around the world.
NFI common shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under
the symbol NFI. Further information is available at
www.nfigroup.com, www.newflyer.com, www.mcicoach.com,
www.arbocsv.com, www.nfi.parts, and www.alexander-dennis.com.
SOURCE NFI Group Inc.