PURCHASE OF LOW-FLOOR BUSES MARKS A FIRST FOR NJ TRANSIT

Board approves purchase of 39 new buses with low-floor design

May 11, 2011
NJT-11-017

NEWARK, NJ — The NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors took action today to introduce the State to its very first low-floor buses, approving the purchase of 39 buses featuring the customer-friendly, low-floor design that will enable the agency to better serve bus routes throughout New Jersey.

“The purchase of 39 new buses represents our commitment to investing in New Jersey’s expansive bus system, and we are pleased to introduce the State’s first low-floor buses, with features that allow for faster, easier boarding and alighting,” said Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman James Simpson.  “These new low-floor buses will supplement the 1,145 transit and suburban-style buses that are already being delivered as we renew and expand the fleet.” 

The Board authorized a $17.2 million contract with North American Bus Industries, Inc., of Anniston, Alabama, for the purchase of 39 low-floor, 30-foot transit buses to replace some of the agency’s older buses.

“These buses will help us to better serve customers and meet ridership demand along key areas of our bus network,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director James Weinstein.  “The low-floor buses will allow us to replace some of our older buses in both Atlantic and Morris counties.” 

The new low-floor buses will improve service reliability and offer comfortable interiors for customers.  The low- floor design will enable customers to board and exit the bus more rapidly than buses with steps.  A ramp in the front door and a kneeling feature will accommodate customers with disabilities.  

Twenty-six of the low-floor buses will be used on NJ TRANSIT routes in southern New Jersey—primarily on the Nos. 501, 504 and 505 in the Atlantic City area.  The remaining 13 will be used on the Nos. 871, 872, 873, 874, 875 and 880 in Morris County.  

The new buses will meet or exceed the latest environmental standards by incorporating technologies to reduce exhaust emissions.

Delivery of the 39 low-floor buses is expected by the end of next year. 

About NJ TRANSIT

NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 895,000 weekday trips on 240 bus routes, three light rail lines and 12 commuter rail lines. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 165 rail stations, 60 light rail stations and more than 18,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.