MTA bus program reports heavy procurement activity; electric buses face reliability and battery issues
Summary
The MTA reported 2,161 buses in the 2020–24 capital program (90% delivered or in production) and plans 2,504 buses in 2025–29; officials and the IEC warned battery and software problems have caused electric‑bus performance issues and that the agency will not accept buses until technical issues are resolved.
Daniel Cardoza, NYCT vice president and chief maintenance officer for Department of Buses and MTA Bus Company, said the 2020–24 capital program includes 2,161 buses with 90 percent delivered or in production and that procurements for the 2025–29 plan will include about 2,504 buses, spanning coaches, standard and articulated buses and multiple propulsion types. He said the agency is testing pilot battery electric buses and applying lessons to production orders.
Both Cardoza and the IEC flagged reliability issues for electric buses — battery tubs, software and electrical components have caused road calls and lower MDBF — and said the MTA will withhold acceptance until technical and quality issues are addressed. Agency staff also described programs to extend the service life of older buses until reliable replacements are available.
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