NJ TRANSIT Study to Explore Use of Ultraviolet Tech to Clean Buses

NJ TRANSIT commissioned a study by Rutgers University’s Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT) on the use of ultraviolet-c (UVC) for disinfecting the agency’s bus fleet from viruses such as COVID-19. The effort continues NJ TRANSIT's commitment to investigating and deploying the latest technology and best practices to provide a clean and safe environment for all customers and employees.

The study, to be conducted over the next few months, will include examining the effectiveness of the UVC wavelength in killing viruses as well as electronically mapping the interior of different bus models to determine the best placement for the UVC source. The findings would be used to determine the best way to scale and implement the technology on the bus fleet.

Ultraviolet light in the germicidal range (200-280 nm light) known as “UVC” has proven to be effective at disinfecting water and surfaces; and may help reduce the risk of infection due to COVID-19 virus. UVC light energy is not the same as the UVA and UVB light wavelengths found in exposure to sunlight. UVC disinfection would not be used when customers are on board.

NJ TRANSIT continues enhanced cleaning efforts to include disinfecting vehicles every 24 hours. Hard surface cleaning and disinfecting typically includes handholds, arm rests, seating areas, and restrooms.

Its enhanced cleaning regimen in stations includes additional disinfecting of frequent customer touchpoints such as ticket vending machines, handrails, and door handles. In major stations and terminals, this occurs once every shift.

The cleaning agents used in this effort are deemed effective for these purposes and contain anti-viral components such as bleach/water mixes and other disinfectant sprays. Areas regularly cleaned include doors, doorknobs, windows, benches, partitions, trash cans, elevators, escalators, handrails, ledges, and all restrooms and floor surfaces.