New Jersey is introducing new modernized and battery-electric buses to the public transit fleet, as part of the state’s most recent effort to combat climate change.
In a meeting last week, the New Jersey Board of Directors approved Agenda Item 2504-14, or the Bus Stock Program, which will fund the purchase of new articulated transit buses to replace some of the state’s aging fleet. Advancing the state’s zero-emission energy goals, the board’s approval will provide up to $393 million to purchase 208 new buses and 20 electric buses.
The New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJ Transit), a public transportation entity serving New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, will manage the public transit investment, pending the availability of funds. A total of 10% of the approved funding will be reserved for contingencies.
The new buses will provide twice the capacity for customers while featuring new technologies that reduce vehicle exhaust emissions, operating expenses and maintenance costs. Housing advanced emission systems, NJ Transit anticipates the new buses will produce about 80% fewer emissions than existing fleet buses.
All new buses, articulated and battery electric, will be built low to the ground to provide increased accessibility and efficiency for riders. These buses will also offer enhanced amenities, including charging ports, security cameras and turn warning systems.
The availability of new federal funding and existing obligations from federal grant programs may hinder the purchase and delivery of these new buses. NJ Transit anticipates the new buses still may take years to be implemented into the fleet.
The Trump administration is directing the elimination of some federal initiatives that fund zero-emission, electric and alternative fueling projects around the country. This effort includes the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program and the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program, which have obligated over $200 million to New Jersey’s electrification and emissions reduction projects since 2021.
For contractors and vendors, NJ Transit will provide additional information on the Bus Stock Program and the availability of funding in the future. NJ Transit expects to finalize contracts during the procurement process.
The state board’s approval of the Bus Stock Program will support the governor’s Energy Master Plan, which intends to transition New Jersey to a 100% clean energy economy by 2035.
The Energy Master Plan includes several strategies to position the state as a leader in clean energy, including ending the sale of gas-powered vehicles, implementing zero-emission technology in homes and vehicles and improving flood protection.
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