VOLVO BUSES’ Canadian-origin subsidiary Prevost has won its collectively largest deal “in terms of value” ever: two New York State Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) contracts to deliver 330 buses, it’s been announced, recently.
The MTA awarded it firstly as a firm order of 307 buses – to be delivered between 2020 and 2022 – and options for 23 additional buses, the company explains. These contracts will create 25 new jobs at Prevost in Plattsburgh – a city in Clinton County, New York, USA – plus an additional 15 jobs at the Prevost sub-assembly provider also in that state. It also allows Prevost to double its production of buses at its American factory, the company confirms.
“This is great news for Prevost to obtain these new contracts from the North America’s largest transportation network, which will continue to reinforce Prevost’s leadership position in the North American coach market,” said François Tremblay, vice president and general manager at Prevost.
“We initially opened our assembly line in Plattsburgh in 2014 after we received our first commuter bus contract from MTA.
“We are very proud as the buses for MTA will be built just a few hours’ drive from New York City.
“Our presence in this state is very important for Prevost and our talented employees in Plattsburgh are eager to demonstrate their skills once again to MTA”, explained Tremblay.
FOCUS ON UPTIME
“We are sincerely proud and grateful for the continued trust that MTA is putting in the Volvo team by awarding Prevost the largest order ever in the history of the company,” said Håkan Agnevall, president of Volvo Buses.
“We continue to serve our customers with a strong focus on uptime, reliability and service support.
“MTA has the largest bus and coach fleet in North America and we want to make a difference for the citizens of New York,” he explained.
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GOOD FOR JOBS
US Democratic Senator Charles ‘Chuck’ Ellis Schumer said: “This well-earned, record-breaking contract for Prevost to build new buses for the MTA is a win-win-win for the company, for the North Country economy, which will receive a critical shot in the arm from this manufacturing work in the form of 40 good-paying jobs, and for commuters in New York who will soon have access to a smooth ride on 330 brand new, top-of-the-line buses.”
“The MTA’s bus service is a lifeline for countless residents of New York and I’m so glad to see that it recognises that Prevost’s world-class Plattsburgh workforce produces a superior product for commuters in our state,” Senator Schumer explained.
POSITIVE IMPACT
“This is exciting news for Prevost and for North Country residents,” said Republican Congresswoman Elise Marie Stefanik.
“I am glad their new contract, the largest one in company history, will provide increased access to transportation for those who utilise it. This will bring significant economic activity to the Plattsburgh area, and I am proud to continue to be an outspoken advocate for business initiatives that will have positive impacts, much like this one.”
ABOUT PREVOST
Prevost celebrated its 95th anniversary in 2019, which was commemorated in Sainte-Claire, Quebec, Canada.
Founded in Quebec in 1924 by cabinet and wooden bus builder, Eugene Prevost, the company is the oldest coach manufacturer in North America, it states.
Scores of special guests including past and present employees, government officials and people from the community attended, it says. The extensive vehicle display at the celebration featured current Prevost model coaches – including the newly redesigned X3-45, a converted motorhome and a corporate coach, as well as a mobile service van and a beautiful 1952 Prevost Citadin antique bus restored by the Heritage Society of Sainte-Claire, it explains.
“The 95th Anniversary celebration in Quebec was a huge success as we had more than 4500 people joining us at the factory,” said GM Tremblay.
“I’m honoured that so many families and special guests were there to celebrate with their Prevost family.
“We take great pride in what we do and to be able to share 95 years of such strong heritage with our community was a very special experience for us,” he said.
Photography: courtesy Prevost