San Diego extends partnership with New Flyer through new order for 73 CNG buses

San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) has exercised an option to buy 73 additional compressed natural gas buses from New Flyer, including 50 forty-foot and 23 sixty-foot models. The $64 million order was placed in the fourth year of a five-year contract that began in 2022, adding to New Flyer’s backlog for the fourth quarter of 2025. The purchase reflects MTS’s ongoing effort to replace aging vehicles with more efficient, low-emission models that meet operational and service demands across its network.

The new buses will support MTS’s fleet of nearly 100 fixed-route bus lines and four light rail lines, which serve approximately three million residents in San Diego County. MTS, which has operated for nearly 140 years and facilitates over 80 million passenger trips annually, prioritizes safety and reliability in its fleet modernization. The order also aligns with Buy America requirements, contributing to domestic transit manufacturing supply chains and sustaining skilled jobs at New Flyer’s U.S. facilities.

New Flyer highlighted its long-standing partnership with MTS, emphasizing the role of clean, safe, and innovative compressed natural gas technology in supporting the agency’s goals. Chris Stoddart, President of North American Bus and Coach at NFI, noted MTS’s leadership in safety and service quality, while Sharon Cooney, MTS Chief Executive Officer, underscored the importance of dependable transit service for passengers across the county.

The expanded order will enhance MTS’s ability to provide reliable mobility for residents and visitors, connecting people to jobs, education, and essential services. As MTS continues to invest in its fleet, the new vehicles will help maintain high-quality transit service for millions of passengers, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to modern, efficient transportation infrastructure in San Diego County.