Have you noticed new green space-age-looking buses zipping around South Jersey? NJ TRANSIT chose South Jersey to try out its new fleet of electric buses, replacing older gas-guzzling counterparts. It’s a first step toward the state’s commitment to transitioning to a 100% zero-emissions bus fleet by 2040. The Camden project, as NJ Transit calls it, is a big step for New Jersey, which is testing the electric buses in real-world conditions on specific routes before committing to larger changes, says NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin Corbett. “Our first-ever battery electric buses will be used as part of a bus demonstration project in Camden that will allow us to thoroughly assess their performance while operating on existing bus routes,” Corbett adds.

If all goes as planned, the state will purchase 75 more electric buses next year and eventually swap out the rest of the fleet in the coming years. Camden’s Newton Avenue bus garage has been outfitted with electric vehicle charging stations and other changes to house the green machines.