NYC just made significant progress towards their goal of reaching an all electric-bus fleet by 2040 with the introduction of 60 new electric buses. The new zero-emission vehicles will service passengers across Staten Island, Queens and Brooklyn. Upon reaching the goal, NYC will save 500,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year.
“These new electric buses will play a key role in ensuring New Yorkers can get to where they’re going safely and sustainably,” Governor Hochul said. “Zero-emission buses are becoming the hallmark of our transit systems, demonstrating the importance of building healthy, environmentally friendly cities.”
This is just the beginning stages of turning all of NYC’s buses electric. 15 electric buses already service Manhattan and by 2034, NYC plans to have 60% of its bus fleet be zero-emissions.
“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.”
Through lightweight electric traction drive systems, the 60 new buses utilize regenerative braking to recover 90% of energy when stopped.
Moreover, the MTA also unveiled 17 new bus charge points in Queens at the Grand Avenue Bus Depot, with 46 more underway across New York. Plus, an on-street pantograph that will top off buses’ battery during daily service under Williamsburg Bridge Plaza is nearly complete.
“Public transportation is the engine of our city, helping millions of New Yorkers get to where they need to go every day,” said Representative Nydia M. Velázquez. “Electrifying public transit will help reduce emissions and create a greener future for our city.”
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