NJ Senators Announce Transit Funding

U.S. Senators Robert Menendez and Frank Lautenberg announced funding for NJ Transit and improvements to its bus fleet, at the Hoboken Bus Terminal on Monday morning. 

Three New Jersey projects will receive a share of $787 million in federal funding for transit projects. 

In total, the Department of Transportation is allocating $76 million "for New Jersey to replace aging transit buses and improve public transportation choices for commuters in one of the nation’s busiest urban corridors," according to the DOT's press release.

For NJ Transit—which will receive the largest chunk of the funding—it means that about 5 percent of its bus fleet will be replaced. NJ Transit will receive 84 new buses, which will replace older vehicles that still run on diesel and have driven more than 500,000 miles. 

The new buses could save NJ Transit about $1.8 million a year. In total, the NJ Transit bus fleet is made up of roughly 2,200 buses. 

NJ Transit is receiving $46,296,000 to purchase 84 new compressed natural gas buses as well as $27,260,000 for 37 new hybrid cruiser buses to run to and from southern New Jersey to New York City. In Camden, NJ Transit will get $2,615,000 to begin implementing Bus Rapid Transit service between Camden County and Center City Philadelphia. 

Menendez and Lautenberg were joined by Mayor Dawn Zimmer and Hudson County Freeholder Anthony Romano, as well as Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff on Monday morning. 

"It's appropriate that New Jersey is getting the largest grant," Rogoff said, adding that New Jersey is the most transit dependent state in the country. 

The newer, and more environmentally friendly buses are also supposed to improve air quality. 

Menendez said he is "excited about this investment."

"We are the most densely populated state in the country," said Lautenberg. "Improved bus service means fewer cars and less polution."

Lautenberg also used the occassion to highlight his differences with Gov. Chris Christie.

"Governor Christie," Lautenberg said, "please don't reject these funds." 

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