Philadelphia, PA Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)‘s brand new BAE powered New Flyer XDE40s have finally entered revenue service.
In November 2021, SEPTA approved the purchase of 220 New Flyer XDE40 hybrid buses, with an additional 120 buses being confirmed to arrive with the FY2024 budget. The first of these 340 buses arrived on SEPTA property in November of 2022. These buses were ordered to replace the last of the full sized clean diesel buses from 2005-2006, as well as the aging New Flyer hybrids from before 2010.
Unlike previous hybrids purchased by SEPTA, these new buses hooked up to a BAE Hybrid System, with automatic engine shut-off and extended range batteries. Because of this, they are also hooked up to a Cummins B6.7 engine, instead of a Cummins L9 engine like past SEPTA hybrid buses.
In January 2023, the early ones were re-assigned to Southern Bus depot at 20th and Johnston Streets (South Philadelphia). After an extensive training period, one of these units (3530) have entered service on route 79. Below, are the units that have been delivered and their depot assignments.
Last Updated on April 14th, 2025
New Flyer Xcelsior XDE40
Numbers: 3525-3744 (base order), 3745-3864 (additional buses)
2022
3525, 3527 – Southern Depot
2023
3526, 3528-3594 – Southern Depot
3595-3639 – Frontier Depot
3640, 3641 – Callowhill Depot
2024
3642-3699 – Callowhill Depot
3700-3744 — Victory Depot
2025
3745-3774 – Comly Depot
3775-3812 – Midvale Depot
