New York, MTA has procured further 265 zero emission buses

New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has purchased 265 new zero-emission buses that will operate on routes across the city. This purchase builds on the 60 zero-emission buses that came last year and is in addition to the 205 zero-emission buses slated to come beginning late this year. It’s likely these buses belong to the framework contract awarded to New Flyer in March 2024.

These new 40-foot buses feature lightweight electric traction drive systems that allow buses to recover up to 90 percent of energy during braking.

Today’s announcement supports the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 85 percent by 2050 and the MTA’s goal of operating a 100 percent zero emission bus fleet by 2040.

MTA is setting up charging infrastructure

To support the expansion of charging infrastructure for the zero-emissions bus fleet, the MTA and the New York Power Authority (NYPA) are building new electric bus charging stations, including commissioning automated overhead pantographs that are expected to be operational at Jamaica Depot in fall of 2027, MTA states.

The design and buildout incorporate the necessary infrastructure improvements to eventually support a full fleet of electric buses that will be assigned to Jamaica Bus Depot.

The new depot building “will have a green roof, which will not only help clean the air and absorb stormwater, but also act as a form of insulation and reduce the depot’s energy use. The depot is being constructed in accordance with LEED certification standards, an accredited and globally recognized status of sustainability achievement in construction. The design of the new bus depot will address residents’ concerns about noise by erecting a sound-deadening barrier wall along 107th Avenue and another along 165th Street. The walls will shield residents from noise produced by bus depot operations as well as create a visual barrier from the depot itself”. 

Infrastructure work has also already begun to deploy 205 additional overhead pantograph charging systems to Gun Hill and Queens Village to support zero-emission buses that will arrive at those depots late this year, the operator adds. In addition, several depots will require electric distribution upgrades in conjunction with Con Edison. The collaboration between MTA and NYPA will also deploy a sophisticated charge management system to help balance the electrical loads, and a long-term service agreement to help maintain reliable bus charging.

The MTA highlights that it is collaborating closely with Con Edison to source new power for bus charging. Work to transform bus depots to support zero-emission buses includes reconfiguring lanes inside depots specific to electric buses and restructuring areas to accommodate overhead pantograph dispensers to charge buses.

New York: zero emission buses coming

“Transit is what makes New York the greenest City and the greenest region of the country,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “And these new buses, along with all the infrastructure upgrades to bus depots across the five boroughs, mean New Yorkers all over will soon be breathing cleaner air.”

“Operating a world-class, zero-emission bus fleet starts with upgrading and modernizing the facilities that serve them,” said MTA Construction & Development President Jamie Torres-Springer. “Our work at the Jamaica Bus Depot and others across the five boroughs will pave the way for a seamless transition to cleaner, safer, more reliable bus service.”

“New York City Transit has the largest bus fleet in the country, and we are charging forward with a plan to transition that fleet to cleaner, zero-emission buses,” said New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow. “Upgrades to Jamaica Bus Depot and the purchase of 265 new zero-emission buses made possible by Congestion Pricing are a major step forward toward cleaner air and quieter commutes throughout New York City.”

“Because of the partnership between New York City Transit, NYPA, and Con Edison, we’re continuing to move towards a 100 percent clean energy bus network for the city,” said New York City Transit Senior Vice President of Buses Frank Annicaro. “Thank you to all of the NYCT workers who’ve worked tirelessly to upgrade our facilities ahead of this electric bus purchase.”

“NYPA and the MTA are working together to set a new standard for urban mobility and environmental stewardship as the nation’s largest bus fleet transitions away from fossil fuels,” said NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll. “NYPA is proud to help expand fleet vehicle charging infrastructure for electric buses in Queens and across the city to further reduce carbon emissions and enhance the quality of life for millions of New Yorkers by providing cleaner air and quieter streets.”

“MTA’s procurement of 265 new zero-emission buses is a positive and welcomed step forward in sustainable transit for New York City,” said Representative Gregory Meeks. “I am proud that this is made possible by nearly $20 million from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and $70 million from the Federal Transit Administration. The new zero-emissions buses and the charging infrastructure at Jamaica Depot will contribute greatly to New York’s bustling public transportation system. Thank you to the MTA and all the local elected officials for working hard towards a more sustainable and cleaner New York.”

“Today marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to sustainability as the MTA announces the procurement of 265 new zero-emission buses at the Jamaica Bus Depot,” said New York State Senator Leroy Comrie. “This initiative not only represents an investment in public transportation but also demonstrates a strong dedication to reducing carbon emissions and fostering a cleaner environment for our communities. We are paving the way for a healthier population and a thriving economy. I applaud the MTA for delivering this much-needed upgrade.”