NJ Transit places first new articulated bus into service

The first of 25 additional new articulated buses have been put into revenue service by New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit), which were paid for with $17 million in federal funding.

The new articulated bus will increase the onboard capacity by more than 65 percent, allowing for greater social distancing and eventually more customers along one of NJ Transit’s most heavily traveled bus lines.

“I am grateful for the Federal Transit Administration’s grant award and for the support of our congressional delegation that allowed NJ Transit to enhance the experience for our customers with the expansion of our articulated bus fleet,’’ said President/CEO Kevin Corbett. “In these times of social distancing, the additional capacity on these buses is critical. Once the COVID-19 crisis subsides, these buses will play a major role in accommodating more customers and reducing wait times on the routes with the highest ridership.’’

Bus Route No. 126, which serves customers in the heavily populated Hudson County, began using the new articulated bus April 28. A standard commuter bus can accommodate 62 customers while the articulated bus has a total capacity of 104.

In December 2019, NJ Transit received $17 million in federal funding to enhance commuter bus service, expand capacity and reduce wait times for riders on dozens of high ridership bus routes in Essex, Hudson and Bergen counties. The funds will be used to expand the articulated bus fleet by 25 additional vehicles.

In January 2019, the NJ Transit Board of Directors approved the purchase of 85 articulated buses to allow for the complete retirement of the current articulated fleet, which has been in revenue service for more than 15 years. Retiring older buses in the fleet increases mechanical reliability and ultimately helps better serve customers with improved on-time performance and important new customer amenities, says the agency.

The new articulated buses feature low flooring, which allows customers to embark and disembark more quickly, wheelchair ramps and camera systems to improve customer security and ensure bus operators are better informed of their surroundings.  New customer amenities include USB charging ports, bicycle racks, an improved intercom system and LED lighting. Articulated buses are used on routes where ridership levels warrant the use of higher-capacity vehicles.

All customers are reminded that New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy’s Executive Order 125 became effective earlier this month and requires NJ Transit to limit occupancy of passengers by 50 percent of the stated maximum vehicle capacity on all buses, trains and light-rail vehicles, in addition to the requirement for customers and personnel onboard vehicles to wear a face covering.