MTA Adds 265 Zero-Emission Buses to Fleet and Advances Congestion Pricing Goals
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is accelerating its push for sustainable transit with the addition of 265 zero-emission buses, announced just days after New York City launched the nation’s first congestion pricing plan on January 5, 2025. These new buses will serve routes across all five boroughs, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and provide cleaner, quieter streets for New Yorkers.
This fleet expansion builds on the 60 electric buses introduced last year and 205 more set to arrive later this year. Each bus has energy-efficient electric traction drive systems that reduce emissions by 90 metric tons annually per vehicle and recover up to 90% of energy during braking.
The congestion pricing plan, implemented to reduce vehicle traffic in Manhattan’s central business district, imposes tolls on vehicles entering high-traffic zones. The revenue generated directly funds improvements in public transportation, including this significant investment in zero-emission buses. The plan and fleet expansion work to encourage greater use of sustainable transit options, furthering New York’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2050 under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber emphasized the dual benefits of these initiatives, stating, “Transit is the backbone of New York City, and the combination of congestion pricing and a fully electric bus fleet will make our streets cleaner, quieter, and more efficient.”
The Jamaica Bus Depot in Queens is undergoing a complete overhaul to accommodate the expanded fleet. Automated overhead pantograph chargers, designed for rapid and efficient bus recharging, are expected to be operational by 2027. Sustainable features such as a green roof will reduce energy use, absorb stormwater, and improve air quality.
The depot redesign also addresses community concerns with noise-reducing barriers and local hiring goals. The MTA aims to recruit 20% of the workforce from Southeast Queens and has exceeded targets for Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOB).
Other depots, including Gun Hill and Queens Village, are also equipped with pantograph charging systems, supported by a sophisticated charge management system to balance energy demand.
Nearly $90 million in federal funding, including $20 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, made purchasing the zero-emission buses possible. These funds and the revenue from congestion pricing enable the MTA to modernize its infrastructure and fleet while creating local economic opportunities during construction.
“The launch of congestion pricing marks a turning point for New York City’s commitment to sustainability,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “The addition of zero-emission buses demonstrates how we can reinvest in our communities for a cleaner and more equitable future.”