Metro News Release

For immediate release: March 28, 2012

Metro to retrofit 47 buses

Metro is working with bus manufacturer New Flyer to retrofit the energy storage system (ESS) aboard 47 Xcelsior buses. Once tested and approved, the retrofit will eliminate the potential for an electrical short within the ESS, a lithium-ion battery that stores energy for use by the hybrid traction motor.

New Flyer and BAE Systems engineers have certified that the buses remain safe for continued revenue service as repairs are being made. As an additional safety measure, Metro is performing enhanced inspections of the 47 buses during the retrofit process.

Metro expects the 47 buses to be retrofitted by May.

New Flyer submitted a notice of voluntary recall to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration last week and notified Metro of the issue. The ESS manufacturer (BAE Systems), New Flyer and Metro engineers are working cooperatively to advance the corrective action plan.

Metro operates a fleet of 1,492 buses.

News release issued at 11:04 am, March 28, 2012.