| Status | Active |
|---|---|
| Quantity | 300 |
| Numbers | |
| Delivery | 2022 |
| Manufacture | Nova Bus |
|---|---|
| Model | LFS |
| Propulsion | Diesel |
| Engine | Cummins L9 |
| Transmission | Allison B400R |
| Length | 40 |
| Width | 102 |
| Seat Model | Freedman Gemini (Vinyl Inserts) |
| # of Seats | 36 |
| Dest. Signs | Luminator TwinVision Smart Series III (Amber LED) |
| Interior Customer Information Displays | LCD |
| Amenities | Air Conditioning
ADA Accessible |
On February 10, 2021, the Chicago Transit Board awarded a contract for the purchase of up to 600 diesel buses to Nova Bus. The base contract calls for the purchase of 100 buses with options for an additional 500 buses.
The first 100 buses will replace the remaining of the the 6400-series Nova buses. Future contract options, if excised, will allow for replacement of the oldest of the 1000-series New Flyer buses.
The buses will come standard with new interior LCD screens that will display real-time route information, stops requests, advertisements, and passenger updates. The CTA had previously tested these displays on a select number of 7900-series Nova buses.
In addition to the new interior displays, the buses will include a Pedestrian Detection System which provide both operator and pedestrian alerts (visual strobe/audible alarm) when objects are in danger zones.
The buses will also feature a minimum of 10 interior and exterior cameras as well as improved vinyl seat covers manufactured by Chicago-based Freedman Seating Company.
Other notable improvements include an improved wheelchair ramp with a larger surface area and reduced slope.
CTA expects to take delivery of the first prototypes in fall of 2021, with production beginning in early 2022.
When announcing the contract, CTA also emphasized its long-term commitment to transition to an all-electric bus fleet by 2040. Given a useful life of 12-14 years, CTA expects the new diesel buses to be retired several years ahead of this goal.