On Wednesday, the NJ Transit board of directors approved the purchase of 39 low-floor buses, enabling the agency to better serve bus routes throughout New Jersey. They will be the first low-floor buses to run in the state.

“These new low-floor buses will supplement the 1,145 transit and suburban-style buses that are already being delivered as we renew and expand the fleet,” said Transportation Commissioner and NJ Transit board chairman James Simpson. 

The board authorized a $17.2 million contract with North American Bus Industries Inc., of Anniston, Ala., for the purchase of the  low-floor, 30-foot transit buses to replace some of the agency’s older buses.

“These buses will help us to better serve customers and meet ridership demand along key areas of our bus network,” said NJ Transit Executive Director James Weinstein. “The low-floor buses will allow us to replace some of our older buses in both Atlantic and Morris counties.”

The buses will improve service reliability and offer comfortable interiors for customers. The low- floor design will enable customers to board and exit the bus more rapidly than buses with steps. A ramp in the front door and a kneeling feature will accommodate customers with disabilities.

The new buses will meet or exceed the latest environmental standards by incorporating technologies to reduce exhaust emissions.

Delivery of the buses is expected by the end of next year.