New York Gov. Kathy Hochul recently introduced 60 new electric buses that will operate in routes in Queens, Staten Island, and Brooklyn.
The buses feature lightweight electric traction drive systems that allow buses to recover up to 90 percent of energy during braking. This regenerative braking reduces wear and tear on brakes and maximizes energy efficiency.
The buses are paid for with almost $70 million in formula funds from the Federal Transit Administration, including almost $20 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is working closely with the New York Power Authority to build the critical infrastructure required to power a zero-emissions bus fleet.
NYPA recently completed the installation of 17 fast charging systems points -- known as autonomous pantograph dispensers because they “dispense” energy through roof mounted arms that automatically connect with the buses.
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.
The $188 million second phase of work will bring 220 additional overhead pantograph charging systems to Grand Avenue and four other depots in Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx and Brooklyn.
In addition, several depots will require electric distribution upgrades in conjunction with Consolidated Edison.
The contract will deploy multiple charging manufacturers, a sophisticated charge management system to help balance the electrical loads, and a long-term service agreement to help maintain reliable bus charging.
New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin Driscoll said, “The New York Power Authority and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority are making significant progress in building out infrastructure to support the electrification of the nation’s largest bus fleet. An influx of 60 new buses and a rapidly increasing number of chargers will set New York City on a firm path to a clean transportation system that will have zero-emission buses traveling through every New York City borough by 2026.”
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 which charge buses. These high-tech devices energize the buses efficiently, ensuring they are always ready for service.
Following closely on the heels of this 60-bus delivery, the MTA expects to start receiving its next order of 205 electric buses in late 2025.
The agencies are also negotiating an option to secure another 265 battery electric buses at six depots starting in 2027, which would bring electric buses to a total of 11 depots.
This delivery builds on the MTA’s previous order of 15 zero-emissions vehicles in 2019, which currently serve routes in Manhattan.
The MTA has committed to transitioning to a 100 percent zero-emissions bus fleet by 2040.
