Units 9620-9910 are 2020-2021 Nova Bus LFS HEV buses. They are the MTA's first hybrid-electric buses built by Nova Bus since 2000-2002, with the Daimler Chrysler Orion 07.501 Old Gens. The first pilot buses were planned to be delivered in May 2020, but due to coronavirus, delivery and entrance in service was delayed by several months. It was eventually decided to deliver the pilot bus in August 2020. This order of 291 buses includes a base order of 165 buses (9620-9784) with an option order of 126 buses (9785-9910). The first pilot (originally numbered 0022, now numbered 9620) entered service in early October 2020 out of Kingsbridge Depot. All buses use the BAE HDS 200 system and the Cummins B6.7 engine.
Since I rode these hybrid bus models in 2019 and in Canada, I was desperate for New York City to have these. Eventually by March 2020, when I opened up the TTMG news, my wish become more fulfilled until COVID-19 was starting to strike the USA. After COVID-19 took its peak, like other manufacturers, Novabus had it's pausing and delays. As a result, that's why I ended up catching 9620(former pilot) on tape in Harlem. A year later, more of these came around starting in March 2021, and I ended up riding unit 9676 on the M2 Limited out of Manhattanville Depot. And, Manhattanville was the first depot(besides the pilot delivery) to have the production LFS HEVs. This is also followed by Kingsbridge, Gun Hill, Tuskegee Airmen, and Mother Clara Hale Depot receiving these newbies. As of June 6th, 2023; Mother Clara Hale gave these buses back to Manhattanville as they were loans. I haven't ride on them much, but they feel the same as the New Flyer XDE40(the hybrid Xcelsiors built by New Flyer Industries). Honestly, I prefer the XDE40s more than the LFS Hybrids. The HVAC unit on their rooftops are another feature I am intrigued about with a maximized efficiency compared to the older generations. These buses are here to stay, as they are helping New York City to go greener, even with the incoming fully electric battery powered buses.
Credits to the pictures and videos taken by the respective owners.
1. @Caitsith810
2. @skrakaayyyyy_itzyostep
3. @BlasezRBLX
4. @luiszeferino1999
5 @Transit019
6. @NYCTA1
7. @NeilQVLGA6455
8. Etc...
Songs:
1. Master KG, Nomcebo - Jerusalema
2. Selena Gomez - Selfish Love
3. The Black Eyed Peas - Mamacita
4. GIMs, Vitaa - Prends Ma Main
5. P-Square - Do Me
31 май 2023
