NJ TRANSIT’s board approved a contract with New Flyer of America for the purchase of 85 articulated buses. The purchase allows the retirement of the current articulated fleet, which has been in revenue service for more than 15 years.

“This purchase allows NJ TRANSIT to continue retiring our older buses in the fleet, which increases mechanical reliability and ultimately helps us better serve our customers with improved on-time performance and important customer amenities such as USB charging ports on the seats,’’ said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Kevin Corbett. “As we continue to restore NJ TRANSIT to national prominence, an improved customer experience is the hallmark of that effort.”

This purchase is a “one for one’’ replacement of NJ TRANSIT’s aging articulated bus fleet as it reaches the end of its expected service life.

It is anticipated that the first vehicle delivery will take approximately eight months from Notice to Proceed, and the final vehicle will be delivered by the end of 2020. Total cost for this purchase is $65.8 million plus 5% for contingencies.

The articulated buses feature low flooring, which allows customers to embark and disembark more quickly, wheelchair ramps, and camera systems to improve customer security and ensure bus operators are better informed of their surroundings. New customer amenities include USB charging ports, bicycle racks, an improved intercom system, and LED lighting.

Request for Proposals went out in August 2018 for the base order of 85 articulated buses with an option to purchase 85 additional articulated buses.

The contract will be funded through a combination of Federal Transit Administration funds and Transportation Trust Funds.