The New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) board of directors approved the purchase of 57 new buses, including the state’s first with a low-floor design, to enable the agency to better serve bus routes throughout the state and meet growing ridership demand.

The board authorized a $12.5 million contract with North American Bus Industries Inc. for the purchase of 39 low-floor, 32-foot transit buses to replace some of the agency’s older buses, as well as a $9 million contract with Motor Coach Industries Inc., for the purchase of 18 new cruiser buses, which are used on long-distance routes.

All 57 of the new buses will meet or exceed the latest environmental standards by incorporating technologies to reduce exhaust emissions.

Delivery of the 18 cruiser buses is expected early next year, with delivery of the 39 low- floor buses following in late 2009.