NYMTA Introduces 60 New Electric Buses

NYMTA has introduced 60 new electric buses that will operate on routes in Queens, Staten Island, and Brooklyn.

“These new electric buses will play a key role in ensuring New Yorkers can get to where they’re going safely and sustainably,” said NY Governor Kathy Hochul. “Zero-emission buses are becoming the hallmark of our transit systems, demonstrating the importance of building healthy, environmentally friendly cities.”

The buses feature lightweight electric traction drive systems that allow them to recover up to 90 percent of energy during braking. This regenerative braking reduces wear and tear on brakes and maximizes energy efficiency. These buses are paid for with almost $70 million in FTA formula funds, including almost $20 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“Every mile on these buses is a mile run less on fossil fuels—a victory every day for sustainability,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “As the largest public bus system in North America, we are leading the way to a greener future, revolutionizing public transportation, one electric bus at a time.”

MTA is working closely with the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to build the critical infrastructure required to power a zero-emissions bus fleet. The Power Authority recently completed the installation of 17 fast charging systems points—known as autonomous pantograph dispensers. Buses will park underneath the arms at the Grand Avenue Bus Depot and Central Maintenance Facility in Queens. Another 46 are under construction at the Herkimer lot in East New York in Brooklyn and the Charleston facility in Staten Island, to be complete by the end of the year. An on-street pantograph that will serve buses needing to “top off” their batteries between daily runs is almost complete under the Williamsburg Bridge Plaza in Brooklyn.

In a historic move, MTA is collaborating closely with Con Edison to source new power for bus charging. Work to transform bus depots to support electric buses includes building lanes inside depots that are specific for electric buses and restructuring areas to accommodate overhead pantograph dispensers.

Following this 60-bus delivery, MTA expects to start receiving its next order of 205 electric buses in late 2025. MTA has committed to transitioning to a 100 percent zero-emissions bus fleet by 2040. A 100 percent zero emissions bus fleet means that the MTA will avoid a further 500,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year.