NJ TRANSIT to Purchase First Zero-Emissions Buses

Demonstration Vehicle

 

NJ TRANSIT continues to advance a zero-emissions bus program, recently releasing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to purchase eight battery-electric buses (BEBs) that will be deployed in the City of Camden. The new buses are part of an overall strategy by Governor Murphy’s Administration to combat the impacts of climate change by transitioning to zero-emissions vehicles.

The limited deployment in Camden will enable NJ TRANSIT to study the unique benefits and challenges of using zero-emissions vehicles in a real-world setting. NJ TRANSIT will retain a third-party vendor to monitor the program’s progress and the performance of the BEBs.

In January 2020, Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation establishing goals to increase the use of zero-emissions vehicles in New Jersey.

• By December 31, 2024, at least 10 percent of new bus purchases will be zero-emissions buses.
• By December 31, 2026, at least 50 percent of new bus purchases will be zero-emissions buses.
• By December 31, 2032, 100 percent of new bus purchases will be zero-emissions buses.

Last September, NJ TRANSIT’s Board of Directors awarded a contract to renovate Camden’s Newton Avenue Bus Garage with electric vehicle charging stations and other associated infrastructure modifications. That project is targeted for completion this summer. NJ TRANSIT is also advancing plans to build a new bus garage in northern New Jersey that will include the necessary charging infrastructure to support a fleet of up to 500 zero-emission buses.

NJ TRANSIT will play a significant role in improving the air quality for many of the communities it serves who disproportionately bear the burden of the ongoing effects of climate change. The transition to zero-emissions vehicles also advances NJ TRANSIT’s goal outlined in its 10-year Strategic Plan to “Promote a More Sustainable Future for Our Planet,” which is also aligned with Governor Murphy’s Energy Master Plan.