LOUISVILLE, Ky., March 10, 2021 /CNW/ - (TSX:
NFI) NFI Parts®, a U.S. subsidiary of NFI
Group Inc. ("NFI"), one of the world's largest independent global
bus manufacturers, today published the results of its Proactive Air
and Surface Purification ("PASP") system testing on an in-service
bus at the City and County of Honolulu, which illustrated significant
positive impact on air and surface cleanliness.
Independent testing results performed by EMSL Analytical, Inc.,
showed overall bacteria count reductions of 99.3%, demonstrating
the PASP system ability to deactivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which
causes COVID-19.
With PASP technology onboard, public and private sector
customers have the potential to better protect transit operators
and riders through the reduced occurrence of bacteria, and the
ability to create cleaner air and surfaces within the operating
environment.
The test with the City and County of Honolulu analyzed surface bacteria counts on a
60-foot, 3-door mass transportation bus over the course of six
days, included:
- Contamination levels tested on Days one, three, and five with
no added disinfecting procedures added to regular cleaning methods,
and
- Contamination levels tested on Days two, four, and six after a
full day of operating in service with one PASP unit activated.
The bus operated the exact same 12-hour route over the course of
six consecutive testing days. The route is an established part of
the City and County of Honolulu's
service map and was operated during normal service hours, and with
vehicle doors opened and closed at all regular stops, allowing
riders to enter and exit freely.
Over the course of six days, surface contamination was measured
by collecting and comparing bacteria on four surface locations
before and after running PASP technology. Swabs were taken daily at
the same four locations after returning from revenue service, and
before a standard cleaning of the bus each night, and were then
sent to EMSL Analytical, Inc. for evaluation.
"We are thrilled to demonstrate the proven impact and measurable
capabilities of our PASP system in a real-world scenario, and
appreciate the City and County of Honolulu working with us to make that happen,"
said Kerri Moloney, Vice President
of Customer Service, NFI Parts. "This test further illustrates how
PASP technology can improve the health of a transit environment
through drastic reduction of air and surface bacteria. The PASP
system undeniably contributes to the health and safety of
passengers, operators, maintenance and cleaning teams."
NFI Parts, along with NFI subsidiaries New Flyer®,
MCI®, ARBOC® and Alexander Dennis Limited,
has been actively working with industry committees in the United States and Canada to develop practices and equipment to
safeguard operators and passengers, and launched an entire family
of NFI Parts Clean and Protect products. The PASP system continues
to demonstrate those working in and taking transit that onboard
environments can meet their expectations of safety and cleanliness
with the integration of proven technologies.
"The PASP unit allows transit authorities to resume regular
cleaning methods while relying on our technology," continued
Moloney. "The transit industry has made significant investments in
deep-cleaning and disinfecting products over the past year to
ensure safety on public transit; adding significant complexity and
expense. Our technology can take care of overall air and surface
purification during service hours, without pulling buses from
service for cleaning."
The PASP system uses proprietary technology to create advanced
purification by producing High Energy Clusters which are
distributed throughout the interior of the vehicle, safely
sanitizing both air and surfaces, and leaving behind virtually no
harmful residue. It is mounted directly in the passenger
compartment for direct exposure to where viruses may circulate. The
unit is easy to install and maintain, only requiring 12V power to
operate and not voiding any vehicle system warranties.
"These results are very encouraging," said Jenny Lemaota, Acting
President and General Manager at Oahu Transit Services. "We have
worked very hard throughout the pandemic to ensure the safety of
our drivers and riders. Seeing real-world results of new
technologies is a great asset when it comes to choosing what we
need to equip our fleet."
The City and County of Honolulu,
Hawaii operates fixed route and paratransit services,
providing more than 69 million rides annually with a fleet of 540
buses. It has twice been honored by the American Public
Transportation Association ("APTA") as America's Best Transit
System, in 1994-1995 and 2000-2001.
To learn more about the PASP system and review the test report,
contact your NFI Parts customer service representative.
About NFI
Leveraging 450 years of combined experience, NFI is leading the
electrification of mass mobility around the world. With
zero-emission buses and coaches, infrastructure, and technology,
NFI meets today's urban demands for scalable smart mobility
solutions. Together, NFI is enabling more livable cities through
connected, clean, and sustainable transportation.
With 8,000 team members in ten countries, NFI is a leading
global bus manufacturer of mass mobility solutions under the brands
New Flyer® (heavy-duty transit buses), MCI® (motor
coaches), Alexander Dennis Limited (single and double-deck
buses), Plaxton (motor coaches), ARBOC® (low-floor
cutaway and medium-duty buses), and NFI Parts™. NFI
currently offers the widest range of sustainable drive systems
available, including zero-emission electric (trolley, battery, and
fuel cell), natural gas, electric hybrid, and clean diesel. In
total, NFI supports its installed base of over 105,000 buses and
coaches around the world. NFI common shares are traded on the
Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol NFI. News and information
is available at www.nfigroup.com, www.newflyer.com,
www.mcicoach.com, www.alexander-dennis.com, www.arbocsv.com, and
www.nfi.parts.
About NFI Parts
NFI Parts® is North America's
most comprehensive organization providing parts, technical
publications, training, and support for buses and motor coaches.
NFI Parts is the parts division of NFI Group, providing replacement
parts for New Flyer transit buses, MCI motor coaches, ARBOC cutaway
vehicles, as well as the product lines for the acquired NABI and
Orion parts businesses. Additionally, NFI Parts has extensive cross
references for parts that are common with other bus, coach, and
cutaway product lines and has a mature supply base and established
relationships with over 1,000 suppliers. With over 90 years of
parts experience, NFI Parts supports a combined fleet of 75,000
active transit buses, motor coaches and cutaway vehicles. NFI Parts
serves more than 5,000 customers annually. NFI Parts understands
the operational importance of getting the right parts, on time, all
the time; allowing customer maintenance teams to focus on repairs
and returning vehicles to service quickly. Further information is
available at NFI.parts.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release are "forward-looking
statements", which reflect the expectations of management regarding
the claims relating to the functionality, efficacy, safety and the
health attributes of the PASP system and management's expectations
regarding the future demand for the product being installed in
NFI's buses. The words "believes", "anticipates", "plans",
"expects", "intends", "projects", "forecasts", "estimates", "may",
"will" and similar expressions are intended to identify
forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking
statements contained in this press release are based upon what
management believes to be reasonable assumptions, investors cannot
be assured that actual results will be consistent with these
forward-looking statements, and the differences may be material.
Actual results may differ materially from management expectations
as projected in such forward-looking statements for a variety of
reasons, including whether the PASP system is effective in reducing
or deactivating the SARS-CoV-2 virus, coronavirus 229E, and other
viruses, mold and the other substances described in this press
release to the extent claimed or at all; whether customers will
purchase buses with the PASP system installed or will purchase the
PASP system in the aftermarket; market and general economic
conditions and economic conditions of and funding availability for
customers to purchase buses and to purchase parts or services; and
the other risks and uncertainties discussed in the materials filed
with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available
on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Due to the potential impact of these
factors, NFI and NFI Parts disclaim any intention or obligation to
update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a
result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless
required by applicable law.
SOURCE NFI Group Inc.