The New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) Board of Directors have approved the purchase of 19 federally funded battery electric vans for local and community-based transportation programs, marking the first time NJ Transit has purchased and used battery electric vehicles as part of local and community-based transportation programs.
NJ Transit will use a Michigan Department of Transportation procurement for the purchase of the vans that will include lifts for transportation for senior citizens and people with disabilities at a cost not to exceed $3.8 million, plus five percent for contingencies. The funding comes from the Federal Transit Administration’s Section 5310 program, the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality programs.
A portion of the vans will be distributed to community-based services in Essex, Middlesex and Somerset counties, as well as NJ Transit’s Access Link service. NJ Transit will utilize eight of the vans for a future pilot program of an on-demand micro transit shuttle service along the Route 9 corridor in Monmouth County.
All vehicles being replaced have met their useful life, age or miles, according to vehicle replacement cycles. Essex County will receive three vans, Middlesex County will receive one van and Somerset County will receive two vans. Access Link will receive four vans. Distribution of one vehicle remains in the grant selection process.
“The purchase of electric vans through federal dollars continues our commitment to transition to zero-emission vehicles across our fleet and with our community partners,” said New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner and NJ Transit Board Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti. “NJ Transit is proud to offer sustainable options to help enhance mobility for seniors and people with disabilities throughout the state.”
“Zero-emission vehicles are a critical part of modernizing the transportation network in New Jersey,” said NJ Transit President and CEO Kevin S. Corbett. “This purchase not only helps our local communities transition to electric vehicles to support the state’s sustainability goals, but it also advances our mission to provide accessible transportation for all New Jerseyans.”
