A $99.5 million grant will help NJ Transit to modernize the Meadowlands Bus Garage in Secaucus, with an aim at expanding electric bus infrastructure.
The federal funding announced Tuesday from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) came via a $1.5 billion funding round as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law .
“Today, another 117 communities across 47 states are receiving the good news that their transit buses are being modernized and their commutes improved through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The Biden-Harris administration is helping agencies replace old buses running on dirtier, expensive fuels by delivering modern and zero-emission buses manufactured by American workers, that will connect more people to where they need to go.”
The Meadowlands Bus Garage opened in 1993 and operates 32 bus routes in Hudson County. However, its design only accommodates diesel buses and lacks infrastructure to support electric vehicle transition. The funding announced July 9 would change that.
Some features of the project include:
- Construction of an outdoor charging facility with a solar canopy and pantographs, allowing NJ Transit to shelter, charge and support the deployment of battery-electric buses with renewable energy while also increasing service for historically disadvantaged communities.
- Workforce development activities and training.
- 2028 anticipated completion.
Phase 1 will provide charging equipment for 67 buses. It will also install infrastructure to expand the site to accommodate 130 buses in later phases.
“This $99 million grant from the FTA will be transformational in modernizing our transit infrastructure,” said Gov. Phil Murphy. “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.”
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NJ Transit officials thanked the FTA for the grant. They said this project is in line with the agency's 10-year strategic plan and clean energy initiative. Additionally, it builds on efforts elsewhere around the state, such as
a pilot in Camden where eight battery electric buses currently operate.
“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,” said New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner and NJ Transit Board Chair Fran O’Connor.
“When combined with their previous awards, we’re able to accelerate the advancements of our Zero Emission Bus Program,” said NJ Transit President and CEO Kevin Corbett.
“These grants will help deliver cleaner and greener transportation, designed to reach everyone and to work for everyone, particularly in places that haven’t received enough resources in the past,” said FTA acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool.
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