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 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 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.