NJ TRANSIT seeking zero-emission bus proposals

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NJ TRANSIT is requesting proposals through Sept. 16 from companies to develop innovations and best practices to transition to a zero-emission bus fleet.

According to a New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection report, nearly three-quarters of transportation emissions come from personal vehicles. Providing reliable and efficient public transportation is part of the state’s efforts to reduce emissions. Zero-emissions buses do not produce any emissions at the tailpipe.

The Zero-Emission Bus System Design and Investment Planning Study will identify and prioritize the investments needed to make targeted investments to modernize the agency’s bus rolling stock, infrastructure, and technologies.

Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation last year establishing requirements for NJ TRANSIT to move toward zero-emissions bus purchases by 2032. All purchases made on or after December 2024 must include at least 10 percent zero-emission buses. This increases to 50 percent of new bus purchases by December 2026 and 100 percent by December 2032.

NJ TRANSIT issued a request for proposals in February to purchase eight battery-powered electric buses that will be deployed in Camden by the end of the year.

The Federal Transit Administration awarded NJ TRANSIT $5.15 million in June to purchase up to four battery electric buses for the Newark region.