The federal government is giving millions of dollars to improve New Jersey Transit bus service.

The $17.2 million will go towards expanding rider capacity and reducing wait times on routes in Essex, Hudson and Bergen counties.

"The investment will have a real impact for the people of Northern New Jersey," said Sen. Bob Menendez. "With larger buses, fewer riders will be stuck out in the cold, waiting for a bus or watching full ones pass them by."

NJ Transit will use the money to buy up to 25 new 60-foot buses.