King County Metro signs landmark deal to welcome new bus manufacturer to North America, expand zero-emission fleets
King County Metro has contracted with European bus builder Solaris to buy up to 16 zero-emission buses. This marks Solaris’ first contract with a U.S.-based transit agency and represents the company’s effort to expand its presence in the North American market.
The partnership also reflects a broader push to diversify the number of transit suppliers in the region. Metro’s procurement will help increase the bus manufacturing competition in the U.S. market, where bus manufacturing shortages have created supply chain challenges for all transit agencies.
Poland-based Solaris has been a supplier of zero-emission buses for over a decade and provides battery-electric buses, hydrogen fuel cell buses, and electric trolleys. Solaris buses are in service in over 30 countries and Solaris-built buses were recognized in 2017 and in 2024 as Europe’s Bus of the Year.
Metro will initially buy four battery-electric buses, with the option of purchasing a total of 16 vehicles.
“Metro has been a national leader in transitioning to a zero-emission fleet, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, lowering maintenance costs, and improving air quality,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “Our battery-electric buses are part of the clean energy infrastructure King County is building to deliver the transportation network of tomorrow. Expanding the number of manufacturers who can produce these new vehicles for North American markets benefits not only our region but transit agencies throughout the country. This agreement between King County Metro and Solaris is a critical next step.”
“At Metro, we are deeply committed to building a sustainable future through innovation and collaboration,” said King County Metro General Manager Michelle Allison. “Our goal is to create a zero-emission fleet that not only enhances our communities but also leads the way in environmental responsibility. Metro’s partnership with electric and hydrogen bus manufacturer Solaris will help overcome the bus manufacturing shortage and potentially provide more options for other transit agencies in North America, too.”
“In Europe, the Solaris brand is widely recognized for the quality and superior performance of its zero-emission vehicles. We aim to bring the same service and proven technology to the U.S. transit authorities,” said Javier Iriarte, CEO of Solaris Bus & Coach. “Our commitment is to support the transition to zero-emission transportation in cities across Europe and North America by developing and delivering the most reliable and innovative products. This contract marks significant progress for the bus industry in North America and has the potential to be a game-changer for the region over the coming decade.”
Metro is purchasing two 40-foot buses and two 60-foot buses with an option to procure 12 additional vehicles. The first of the vehicles is scheduled to arrive in 2026. The buses are designed specifically for the North American market and feature the most progressive battery bus technology developed by Solaris.
Metro will put these vehicles through vigorous testing and evaluations including shadow service. This comprehensive testing will allow Metro to evaluate Solaris’ ability to meet the requirements of the North American market and has the potential to add a competitor to the North American battery-electric, hydrogen and trolley bus market for 40-foot and 60-foot buses.
Metro’s current zero-emission fleet includes battery-electric buses manufactured by New Flyer. The first of 89 new battery-electric buses purchased from GILLIG are scheduled to be delivered by the end of the year and are expected to go into service in 2026 when Metro’s Tukwila Base is scheduled to open.
Is the agency getting some kind of
Kind of a pass on Buy America from FTA or just using non federal $ to buy these?
Just curious what the cost of the initial 40/60 foot buses would be, and if Solaris would build them in the US if a large order supports this in the future.
They should have contracted for bus drivers safety they got that kind of money.
Metro has doubled the number of transit security officers in recent years and is staffing up our Metro Transit Police. Metro has been actively working with labor leaders, front line staff, vendors and bus manufacturers for over a year to assess and improve upon the operator partition that was installed on all buses by 2021. Currently under evaluation, we have two pilot buses featuring different prototypes of cockpit-style doors for the operator’s compartment. We also placed an order with a bus manufacturer for four test buses (two 40-foot and two 60-foot) that will feature an ADA-compliant, European-style operator compartment design. We are working with other manufacturers to pursue additional operator safety features.
More broadly, Metro and labor leaders are in active discussions with cities, law enforcement and other regional partners about actions that can be taken to improve the security challenges that exist in the communities and on the streets where Metro provides service. We look forward to participating in the regional taskforce on safety and its impacts on transit.