Experimental NJ TRANSIT Electric Bus Fleet Coming To South Jersey

CAMDEN, NJ — South Jersey will soon be home to another NJ TRANSIT innovation, when eight electric buses are deployed in the region, the mass transit system announced.

The eight zero-emissions buses will be deployed from the Newton Avenue Bus Garage in Camden, and it is part of NJ TRANSIT’s efforts to transition to a full 100 percent zero emissions fleet by 2040, according to the transportation entity.

NJ TRANSIT’s Board of Directors approved a $9.4 million contract, plus 5 percent for contingencies, with New Flyer of America for the purchase of eight 40-foot battery electric buses.

The contract calls for eight buses to be delivered over a one-year period, with options allowing the purchase of up to 75 additional zero-emissions buses.

In September 2020, NJ TRANSIT’s Board of Directors awarded a $3.235 million contract to Scalfo Electric of Vineland to renovate the Newton Avenue Bus Garage with electric vehicle charging stations and other associated infrastructure modifications. That project is targeted to be completed in the first quarter of 2022, which includes testing and commissioning.

The first electric bus is then expected to hit the road in the second quarter of next year, with all eight in service by the end of 2022.

The project is in line with Gov. Phil Murphy’s Energy Master Plan. It also comes on the heels of the unveiling of New Jersey’s first solar-powered bus shelter, in Cherry Hill.

“Our Administration is committed to environmental protection and the adaptation of sustainable technology that improves quality of life for New Jerseyans,” Murphy said. “This purchase is a key step towards fulfilling the goals of the Energy Master Plan and will provide us with data and real-world experience with cutting-edge mass transit equipment. I look forward to seeing these buses hit the road and benefit NJ TRANSIT customers.”

“We are in the midst of transforming our mass transit system into a more sustainable and environmentally friendly solution to mitigate the impacts of climate change,” New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti said. “The historic actions we take today in approving these battery electric buses will reap benefits not only for the overburdened communities who will see cleaner air, but for our children and grandchildren by systemically creating a new paradigm in the way we choose to power our transit system.”

The initial buses will be tested in real-world conditions on specific NJ TRANSIT routes. During this time, NJ TRANSIT will measure the effects of weather, passenger volume, road conditions and other factors on electric bus performance, including travel distance available between recharging.

They will also examine what infrastructure resources and work will be needed in order to modernize NJ TRANSIT’s bus garages to accept new charging stations, and the significantly greater power feeds needed to energize them.

This project also will help NJ TRANSIT understand how to accomplish the fleet and garage infrastructure upgrades without disrupting regular daily service.

“As part of my many years of experience with transportation in the region, it is a highlight of my career to be able to advance the future of bus technology,” NJ TRANSIT Board Vice-Chair Cedrick Fulton said. “This is just the start of a next-generation bus network that will be greener, more sustainable and more equitable. This historic action will have a ripple effect for a long time to come.”

In January 2020, Murphy signed legislation establishing goals to increase the use of zero-emissions vehicles in New Jersey. The legislation calls for at least 10 percent of new bus purchases to produce zero carbon emissions by the end of 2024, with that number increasing to 50 percent by the end of 2026 and 100 percent by the end of 2032.