Metro Connects
Fleet, Infrastructure, and Workforce
layover locations will enable buses with long assignments to charge in the field during breaks. Metro is also investing in electric vehicle charging infrastructure to support its non-revenue fleet vehicles and considering charging infrastructure needs for program such as Access and Rideshare.
What will it take?
Commit the resources needed to add and replace existing buses. Purchase battery-electric buses and electric trolley buses and build supporting vehicle charging infrastructure.
Build new and convert existing bases to support battery-electric bus technology. Build new facilities like Interim Base and South Annex Base at South Campus with electrification infrastructure. Retrofit Metro’s existing facilities to support a fully zero-emissions system. Provide sufficient base capacity to continue operations while portions of bases are closed during the retrofit process.
Pursue renewable energy sources. Continue to work with utilities and explore opportunities for solar energy production at Metro facilities to ensure that electricity used is from 100 percent renewable. Metro’s ability to meet this target is dependent on availability of renewable energy production and purchasing options from utilities as the demand from Metro’s fleets increases.
Invest in vehicles and charging infrastructure for non-bus fleets.
Continue to operate and optimize use of electric trolley buses. Explore opportunities to increase trolley utilization on weekends.
Coordinate and form partnerships with local utilities. Work together to deploy charging infrastructure for battery-electric buses and ensure that electricity is from renewable sources.
Engage with transit industry and manufacturer partners. Ensure that zero-emission vehicles and charging technology are available and meet operational and service needs.
Train and develop Metro’s workforce to operate and maintain batteryelectric buses.
Work with jurisdictions and other agencies throughout King County to develop electrical infrastructure for layover charging. Coordinate and collaborate with others to develop and install a network of charging infrastructure to support fully zero-emission fleets. Partner with Sound Transit and other transit agencies that own key terminal locations in King County. Budget for infrastructure requirements.
Make necessary code and policy changes.
Measure and report on progress toward achieving an all-zeroemission fleet.
King County Metro Long Range Plan
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