NJ Transit receives $99 million grant from FTA to expand electric bus infrastructure

“This $99 million grant from the FTA will be transformational in modernizing our transit infrastructure,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “In the most populous state in the nation, it is critical that we keep our people moving while leading the nation on bold environmental goals. This funding marks an important step in our transformation toward a 100% zero-emission bus fleet, which is essential as we work to achieve environmental justice and equity across the state.”

“The transition to electric buses represents a paradigm shift in how we power our mass transit system, which is already underway with the deployment of electric buses in the Camden area,” said DOT Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chair Fran O’Connor. “With funding like this from the FTA, we can continue to turn this vision of the future into a reality and put New Jersey on the path to a more sustainable, environmentally friendly transportation network.”

The funding will go towards the design and construction of an outdoor charging point with a roof and pantographs to supply electricity to the buses. Opened in 1993, Meadowlands Garage was designed solely to service diesel buses and currently lacks the infrastructure to support the transition to electric vehicles.

The first phase of construction will provide equipment to charge 67 buses, but later phases will install infrastructure to expand the facility to accommodate 130 buses. This project not only allows NJ TRANSIT to house, charge and maintain electric buses, but also addresses projected increases in demand for services to historically disadvantaged communities and includes workforce development and training activities.

The project is aligned with NJ TRANSIT’s 10-year strategic plan, which includes a comprehensive transformation and investment plan to transition its bus fleet to zero-emission operation to establish priorities and processes for integrating clean energy options into its operations and purchasing practices. It follows the agency’s pilot program in southern New Jersey at the Newton Avenue Garage in Camden, where it operates eight battery-electric buses.

Meadowlands Garage operates 32 bus routes in Hudson County, traveling over 6.4 million miles annually and serving a variety of NJ communities. The off-site charging facility project is currently expected to be completed in 2028.