Houston METRO awards New Flyer order for 100 CNG buses, extending a trusted partnership built over 30 years

Approximately $93 million investment advances fleet modernization efforts while continuing a relationship that has supported public transportation across the Houston region since 1991

ST. CLOUD, Minn., Sept. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — (TSX: NFI, OTC: NFYEF, TSX: NFI.DB) NFI Group Inc. (NFI), a leading manufacturer of buses and motorcoaches and a provider of comprehensive aftermarket parts and service solutions, subsidiary New Flyer of America Inc. (New Flyer), today announced an order from the Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority (METRO) for 100 Xcelsior ® 40-foot compressed natural gas buses. The order was added to New Flyer’s firm backlog in the second quarter of 2026.

The purchase, valued at approximately $93 million, is supported by funding from the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) 2025-2026 Low- or No-Emission (Low-No) Program and Bus and Bus Facilities Projects. The new buses will replace end-of-life vehicles, helping METRO support efficient, lower-emission transit service across the Houston region. The initiative is being undertaken in conjunction with upgrades to select METRO facilities that will increase compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling capacity.

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“For more than 30 years, METRO and NFI have worked together to support safe, dependable transit for the Houston region,” said Chris Stoddart, President, North American Bus and Coach, NFI. “We’re honored to continue that partnership with New Flyer Xcelsior CNG buses that will help enhance service for riders, support METRO’s ongoing fleet renewal efforts, and continue advancing cleaner public transportation solutions for the communities it serves.”

METRO is the primary public transportation provider in the Houston region, delivering safe, reliable, and integrated mobility solutions across the City of Houston, most of Harris County, and surrounding communities. Since beginning operations in 1979, METRO has evolved into a comprehensive, multimodal system spanning approximately 1,300 miles, connecting millions of residents to employment centers, education, healthcare, and essential services through an extensive network of bus, light rail, and accessible transit options.

Today, METRO serves a population of approximately four million people and provides more than 76 million passenger trips annually, playing a pivotal role in supporting mobility and economic growth in one of North America’s largest metropolitan regions. Bus service forms the backbone of the system, accounting for the majority of the ridership and enabling frequent, high-capacity connections across the region’s diverse communities.

“CNG allows METRO to deliver the reliable service our customers depend on while operating a cleaner, more efficient fleet,” said Kurt Luhrsen, Interim COO at METRO. “As we replace aging buses, we have an opportunity to reduce emissions and make responsible choices that benefit both our riders and the Houston region.