New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has introduced 60 new electric buses that will operate in routes in Queens, Staten Island and Brooklyn.

The MTA currently operates 15 electric buses on routes in Manhattan. It expects to start receiving its next order of 205 electric buses in late 2025, and is also negotiating an option to secure another 265 e-buses at 6 depots starting in 2027, which would bring electric buses to a total of 11 depots. The MTA aims to operate a 100% zero-emission bus fleet by 2040.

The MTA is working closely with the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to build the charging infrastructure required to power its electric fleet. The Power Authority recently completed the installation of 17 fast charging pantograph dispensers at the Grand Avenue Bus Depot in Queens. Another 46 are under construction at the Herkimer lot in East New York in Brooklyn and the Charleston facility in Staten Island, and are expected to be operational by the end of the year. An on-street pantograph under the Williamsburg Bridge Plaza in Brooklyn, which will allow buses to top up their batteries between daily runs, is almost complete.

An additional $188-million phase will bring 220 additional overhead pantograph chargers to Grand Avenue and four other depots in Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx and Brooklyn. Several depots will require electric distribution upgrades from Consolidated Edison. The contract includes EVSE from several manufacturers, a charge management system to help balance electrical loads, and a long-term service agreement.

New York City Transit Senior VP of Buses Frank Annicaro said, “This delivery marks some exciting milestones in our zero-emissions strategy including our first 40-foot buses, first autonomous pantograph charging, and first collaboration with our partners at NYPA and Con Edison.”

New York Power Authority CEO Justin E. 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.”

Source: New York Governor’s Office