New York Bus Electrification: 53 Overhead Bus Chargers Advance

author: FutureCar Staff    

In celebration of Climate Week, Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the progress of a construction project involving the installation of 53 state-of-the-art overhead electric bus chargers at Metropolitan Transportation Authority depots in Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, and Brooklyn. This project, managed by the New York Power Authority, is the first phase of a multi-year initiative to build a total of 67 overhead and cabled dispensers for New York City Transit. The infrastructure will support the MTA's growing zero-emissions bus fleet, reduce carbon emissions, address climate change, and serve as a model for other bus fleet operators.

The construction progress was witnessed by Justin E. Driscoll, President and CEO at NYPA, and Frank Annicaro, Senior Vice President of the New York City Transit Department of Buses and MTA Bus Company. The tour took place at the Grand Avenue Bus Depot and Central Maintenance Facility in Queens.

Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her enthusiasm for electrifying the metropolitan bus fleets, stating that it showcases New York's leadership in climate actions. She emphasized the positive impact of clean energy infrastructure on air quality and communities affected by fossil fuel economies. The transformation of the bus fleet will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve system efficiencies, and contribute to the goal of achieving a zero-emission bus fleet by 2040.

The New York Power Authority is overseeing the design, permitting, procurement, construction, commissioning, and warranty of the project. The electrification project involves mounting pantographs on overhead gantries, restructuring bus depots, and creating specific lanes for electric buses to charge. Installations of overhead and cabled dispensers will begin at other locations within the next month, with all work expected to be completed by mid-2024.

Janno Lieber, MTA Chair and CEO, expressed gratitude to Governor Hochul for her leadership in the MTA's transition to a zero-emission bus fleet. Frank Annicaro, Senior Vice President of Buses at New York City Transit, highlighted the role of pantograph dispensers in delivering on the promise of a zero-emissions fleet by 2040.

The infrastructure upgrades are part of MTA's plan to support the transition to electric buses and achieve a zero-emissions vehicle fleet by 2040. The MTA currently operates 15 electric buses, with an additional 60 buses expected to arrive in 2024. Infrastructure for 470 zero-emission and standard buses will be installed at 11 depots across all five boroughs.

The pantographs being installed are devices connected to direct current fast chargers. When a bus parks underneath, the pantograph delivers power to recharge the onboard batteries. The overhead pantograph dispensers are compatible with buses from different manufacturers. This project marks the first pantograph bus charging projects in the Northeast.

New York State's climate agenda aims for a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040 and 70% renewable energy generation by 2030. The state has made significant investments in clean energy projects, building emissions reduction, solar scaling, and clean transportation initiatives. These investments have created jobs in the clean energy sector and contributed to the state's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.

Source: Office of the Governor

FutureCar Staff