A $99.5 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to NJ Transit will allow for the addition of an outdoor charging station to the Meadowlands Bus Garage in Secaucus.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“This $99 million grant from the FTA will be transformational in modernizing our transit infrastructure. In the most densely populated state in the country, it is critical that we keep our people moving while still leading the nation with bold environmental goals,” Gov. Phil Murphy (D) said in a statement.
“This funding marks an important step in our transition toward a 100% zero-emissions bus fleet which is essential as we work to achieve environmental justice and equity across the state.”
Phase one of the construction will provide charging equipment for 67 buses but will install the infrastructure to expand the site to accommodate 130 buses in later phases.
This project not only allows NJ Transit to shelter, charge and maintain electric buses, but takes projected growing demand for service into account for historically disadvantaged communities and includes workforce development activities and training.
“Transitioning to electric buses represents a paradigm shift in how we power our mass transit system and one that is already underway with our deployment of electric buses in the Camden region,” added DOT Commissioner and NJ Transit Board Chair Fran O’Connor.
“Through grants like this from FTA, we can continue transforming that vision for the future into reality and put New Jersey on track to a more sustainable, environmentally friendly transportation network.”
The funds will support the design and construction of an outdoor charging facility with a canopy design and pantographs supplying electricity to the buses.
Opened in 1993, the Meadowlands garage was designed to accommodate only diesel buses and currently lacks infrastructure to support electric vehicle transition.
“We can’t thank the FTA enough for this significant grant. When combined with their previous awards, we’re able to accelerate the advancements of our Zero Emission Bus Program,” noted NJ Transit President & CEO Kevin Corbett.
The funds will support the design and construction of an outdoor charging facility with a canopy design and pantographs supplying electricity to the buses.
The project is consistent with NJ TRANSIT’s 10-year strategic plan, which includes a comprehensive transition and investment plan for converting its bus fleet to zero emissions, to establish priorities and processes for incorporating clean energy options in its operations and procurement practices.
It follows the agency’s pilot program in Southern New Jersey at the Newton Avenue Garage in Camden, where eight battery electric buses are operating.
Meadowlands Garage operates 32 bus routes in Hudson County, covering more than 6.4 million miles annually, and serving diverse NJ communities. The outdoor charging facility project is currently anticipated to be completed in 2028, officials said.
“I am thrilled that the historic infrastructure law we enacted is delivering yet again. With increased service and reduced air pollution, the grant is a big win for bus riders across northern New Jersey. This massive federal grant for the Meadowlands Bus Garage will help construct solar panels and battery electric chargers essential to our carbon-free future,” stated U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-9).
“Today, 117 communities, including Northern New Jersey are receiving the good news that their transit buses are being modernized and their commutes improved through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
