NJ Transit Awarded $14 Million For Wayne Bus Garage Renovations

WAYNE, NJ — The Wayne Bus Garage, which services roughly 10 percent of the New Jersey Transit bus fleet, has received funding for a much-needed modernization project, officials announced.

NJT was awarded over $14 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation to modernize and rehabilitate the facility, according to a news release from the office of Sen. Bob Menendenz.

"The Wayne Bus Garage helps connect commuters to New York City, students to William Paterson and shoppers to Willowbrook, and plays a critical role in keeping our economy and our families moving forward," said Menendez, in a statement. "Without this federal funding to make necessary upgrades, the garage could fall into dilapidation, which would cause a severe disruption in our state’s transit network.

According to the release, NJT will use the funding to replace the roof and prepare the facility for solarization, upgrade the HVAC and fire detection and suppression systems, and install energy-efficient lighting. The project also includes upgrading the facility’s infrastructure to support battery-electric buses, as NJT transitions away from their diesel-powered fleet.

"Residents in the 11th District depend on reliable service from this hub, including the buses that service the Wayne Transit Center. We fought for this DOT funding to not only make needed improvements to the garage, but with an eye toward the future as NJT transitions to electric vehicles," said Rep. Mikie Sherrill.

NJT President and CEO Kevin Corbett said this grant, along with another received last year could help "reimagine and redesign our bus network."

"Improvements to our Wayne bus garage allow us to better align service with demand and enhance capacity on the routes with the heaviest ridership throughout Northern New Jersey," said Corbett.