Metro Connects
Fleet, Infrastructure, and Workforce
ELECTRIFICATION Metro Connects will confront climate change by transitioning to zero-emissions vehicles, powered by renewable energy, over the next 20 years. A zero-emissions fleet will deliver world-class transportation benefiting drivers, mechanics, passengers, and people living along the bus routes—improving the quality of life for everyone in King County.
What will fleet electrification look like? Metro is committed to having the greenest fleet possible. Starting in 2004, Metro was a national leader in adopting diesel-electric hybrid bus technology. In 2015 Metro reinvested in the second largest zero-emission trolley fleet in the nation. As of 2020, Metro operates a bus fleet of all hybrid or electric coaches (including electric trolley buses). As of 2021, Metro is preparing for rapidly evolving electric vehicle technology and continuing the transition to a zero-emission fleet. Zero-emission electric buses produce no exhaust, are quieter, and can lower operating costs. Metro is also exploring options to transition its non-bus fleets to zero emission vehicles. Metro has committed to powering it’s electric vehicles with 100 percent renewable energy sources. Electricity from Seattle City Light is carbon neutral and from Puget Sound Energy is purchased from a long-term contract from a new wind and solar installations in Washington State purchased through the Green Direct agreement. 22 Furthermore, over time all electricity supplied in Washington State will be free from GHG emissions. In 2019, Washington State signed into law the Clean Energy Transformation Act which required all electricity supplied to be carbon neutral by 2030 and fossil fuel free by 2045. Metro’s substantial investment in a zero-emissions fleet will help achieve King County’s equity, sustainability, and safety goals 23 . It will help King County respond to the climate crisis by improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, contributing to the health and mobility of county residents.
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More information about Puget Sound Energy’s Green Direct Program available here.
Articulated in the County’s Equity and Social Justice Ordinance and Strategic Implementation Plan and the Strategic Climate Action Plan. 23
King County Metro Long Range Plan
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