A bus manufacturer in Plattsburgh has landed a contract to build 300 buses for the Chicago Transit Authority with an option for 150 more.
Nova Bus announced Tuesday that it has signed a contract to build 300 LFS Smart bus models for the Chicago Transit Authority. The 148-million dollar contract includes an option for 150 additional units. The vehicles will be assembled at Nova Bus’ Plattsburgh manufacturing plant. Plattsburgh North Country Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Garry Douglas.
Jobs are a priority for 21st Congressional District Congressman Bill Owens, a Democrat. He says the contract helps keep and expand jobs in the region.
The 40-foot-long buses, which replace models put in service 14 years ago, feature l-e-d lighting, multiple security cameras and wheelchair access. They comply with 2013 EPA requirements and meet 2014 fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas efficiency standards. SUNY Plattsburgh Department of Economics and Finance Chair Colin Read notes that Nova Bus is known for state-of-the-art engineering and manufacturing.
Nova Bus expects that the manufacture of each bus will create or retain 1.1 manufacturing jobs and five indirect jobs in the region. Colin Read says that’s within economists’ expectations.
In 2011, the Chicago Transit Authority signed a $331 million contract with another North Country manufacturer. Bombardier is building rail cars at its plant in Plattsburgh. The Chamber’s Garry Douglas says Chicago is good for Clinton County.
Nova Bus is a division of Volvo, and has more than 200 employees in Plattsburgh.