NJ TRANSIT RECEIVES FEDERAL FUNDING FOR ZERO-EMISSION BUS STUDY

$6.8 Million To Continue Studying Zero-Emission Bus Transition

January 15, 2025

NEWARK, NJ – The U.S. Department of Transportation announced today that it has awarded a $6.8 million grant to NJ TRANSIT allowing it to move forward in determining needed upgrades at existing and planned future garages as it transitions to a zero-emission bus fleet by a state goal of 2040.  

“I’m proud to have helped NJ TRANSIT secure this investment in our shared future. It demonstrates NJ TRANSIT’s commitment to sustainability and improving local air quality, supporting the agency’s zero-emission procurement goals and bolstering the resiliency and reliability of our state’s public transportation systems,” said Senator Cory Booker.

“This funding brings New Jersey closer to our goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by electrifying NJ TRANSIT’s bus fleet. In doing so, we are protecting families from harmful pollution and ensuring public transportation is clean and reliable. Thank you to the Biden Administration and our Congressional delegation for their shared commitment to running our state on clean energy,” said Governor Phil Murphy.

“Investing in zero-emission buses means cleaner air, better transit options, and good jobs right here in South Jersey,” said Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ-01). “This grant will improve mobility, protect the environment, and create jobs in our region. I will always support initiatives that strengthen our communities and provide a better future for New Jersey.”

“I’m glad to see the hard work Congressional Democrats put into the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to pay dividends for the Garden State. This is a critical investment to develop the next generation of clean, reliable transportation for New Jersey commuters. It builds on the important work NJ TRANSIT has already done to modernize its bus fleet and meet its goal of having a fully emission free fleet by 2040,” said Rep. Frank Pallone (NJ-06).

“Public transit is not just a policy, it’s the backbone of New Jersey — and we need to be making investments in our transit system that will keep our state moving forward for generations to come. I secured federal funding that is now coming back to NJ TRANSIT to help our state build and transition to a zero-emission bus fleet. These zero-emission buses will not only reduce traffic and commute times, but also help decrease pollution and keep residents healthy,” said Rep. Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11). 

“Together, we’re showing that we can build a reliable public transit system while achieving our bold climate goals,” said Rep. Rob Menendez (NJ-08). “Throughout New Jersey, our leaders have recognized the urgent need to address the climate crisis as well as build transit infrastructure that New Jerseyans in every corner of our state can count on. With the support of the Department of Transportation and their RAISE Grant program, we are doing both. There is still work ahead, but I’m grateful to both our partners in the Biden Administration and at NJ TRANSIT for their continued efforts to deliver results for our great state.”

“No matter what part of our state you’re from, everyone can agree we should have clean air to breathe,” said Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12). “Tailpipe emissions from heavy-duty vehicles like trucks and buses alone make up nearly 25% of greenhouse gas pollution for the entire transportation sector. By transitioning from diesel to electric buses, NJ TRANSIT is doing their part to reduce pollution and make our state a healthier place to live, especially for our children, seniors, and vulnerable residents across our state. With this $6.8 million grant, the federal government is contributing funding for crucial planning and strategy development as NJ TRANSIT prepares to shift to an all-electric fleet. I’m grateful to Secretary Buttigieg and the USDOT, as well as our partners at NJ TRANSIT and across the state for their work on this issue.” 

“The historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering yet again for New Jersey,” said Rep. Nellie Pou (NJ-09). “In the state legislature I was proud to support our state’s shift to clean energy buses. So, I am delighted the federal government is helping NJ TRANSIT transition to new electric vehicle technology. By reducing air pollution and improving service, this grant is a big win for bus riders and the fight against climate change.”

“In order to fight climate change and reduce pollution in New Jersey, we need to continue thinking of new and innovative ways to reduce carbon emissions,” said Rep. Herb Conaway (NJ-03). “This significant investment is not only a step forward in our commitment to building a greener, healthier and more sustainable future, but it will also enhance public transportation for New Jersey residents.”

“Zero-emission buses are helping create a cleaner, greener future for New Jersey,” said Rep. LaMonica McIver (NJ-10). “I’m proud that we could deliver this investment for a healthier community, reduced emissions, and a sustainable future for generations to come.”

“I am proud to have helped write, negotiate, and pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill to claw back millions of our tax dollars back from Washington to invest in Jersey through the RAISE Grant Program,” said Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05). “This investment in NJ Transit will not only reduce emissions but will also help our families move more safely and efficiently around New Jersey.”

“This grant, made possible through the generous support of the USDOT, demonstrates NJ TRANSIT’s steadfast commitment to sustainability,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett. “Exploring transformative zero-emission bus technology is designed to deliver long-term benefits for our customers and the environment.”

The $6.8 million zero-emission bus study grant will allow NJ TRANSIT to continue developing long-term capital investment and implementation plans while simultaneously advancing engineering and facility design for deploying a zero-emissions bus fleet. The goals of this study are to develop and create standards and best practices to modernize service. This effort will identify the investments that are critical to a successful transformation of the bus network. All of this will provide robust investment plans that can be seamlessly incorporated into the capital plan and guide large scale deployments in the future.  NJ TRANSIT currently operates a fleet of more than 2,300 buses out of 19 garages. The fleet includes eight electric buses based out of the Camden garage which has been retrofitted with electric bus infrastructure.

The zero-emission bus study grant was awarded under the US DOT’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program, which provides grants for surface transportation infrastructure projects with significant local or regional impact.

Zero Emissions Bus Program

In October 2022, NJ TRANSIT unveiled its first of eight battery-electric buses at its Camden bus garage setting the stage for the goal of transitioning to a 100% zero-emission bus fleet by 2040 in line with Governor Murphy’s Energy Master Plan. 

The Camden project is the first of its kind for NJ TRANSIT. This deployment of eight buses is an opportunity for NJ TRANSIT to introduce zero-emissions vehicles into the community while collecting valuable data and information on the effects of weather, passenger volume, road conditions and other factors on battery-electric bus performance, such as travel distance between recharging. 

NJ TRANSIT’s Zero Emission Timeline

In January 2020, Governor Murphy signed legislation establishing goals to increase the use of zero-emission vehicles in New Jersey, prioritized for low-income, urban and environmental justice communities. 

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

About NJ TRANSIT

NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 925,000 weekday trips on 263 bus routes, three light rail lines, 12 commuter rail lines and through Access Link paratransit service. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 166 rail stations, 62 light rail stations and more than 19,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.