King County Metro’s 100% zero-emission bus base nears completion
It’s the size of nine football fields, powered by clean electricity, and is getting ready to welcome the first battery-electric, zero-emission buses that will call it home.
A year after breaking ground Tukwila Base, Metro’s first 100% electric bus base, is nearing completion and preparing to start testing the charging infrastructure that will power over 120 new battery-electric buses.
“As we celebrate Earth Day, Tukwila Base is one example of King County’s commitment to cutting pollution, taking climate action, and making our communities cleaner and healthier,” said King County Executive Shannon Braddock. “Powered by the hydroelectric energy of our region, this base is quickly becoming a national and international model for constructing a clean energy facility. The buses of tomorrow are arriving, and this base is ready for its role in reducing carbon emissions.”
“Metro’s focus on becoming one of the first large transit agencies in the United States to operate a zero-emission fleet hits another key milestone with the arrival of our two new BEBs and installation of charging infrastructure at Tukwila Base.” said Metro General Manager Michelle Allison. “This facility—and the world-class technicians and other transit professionals trained to operate it—are ready to get to work! Our new battery electric buses aren’t just cleaner and quieter—they’re a commitment to healthier communities and a better ride for everyone. By choosing transit, you’re not only helping the planet, you’re also helping to shape a more sustainable future for your neighborhood.”
The 544,000-square-foot base will include maintenance facilities and charging infrastructure for up to 120 battery-electric buses. The base will also be home to zero-emission support vehicles, including electric sedans and utility carts, all powered by new charging infrastructure installed at the adjacent parking garage.
Metro is also incorporating sustainability into the design and construction of the new buildings at Tukwila Base. The construction currently underway is maximizing Tukwila Base are designed to reduce energy consumption, and lighter-colored concrete will help reduce the heat island effect. to minimize the need for irrigation. These and other project features achieve Platinum status on the County’s Sustainable Infrastructure Scorecard as required by the Green Building Ordinance.
Metro’s project team says the charging infrastructure is nearing completion and will be ready for testing as the first GILLIG buses purchased last spring start arriving this fall. During the testing period, Metro will focus on procedure checks, testing the charging infrastructure, expanding workforce training, and allowing bus operators to practice using the base’s charging systems.
Tukwila Base is scheduled to begin full operation in the spring of 2026.
Why does Metro ignore the fact that Metro has been running electric trolley buses for its entire existence? The electric trolleys provide a great experience without having to carry around tons of batteries. They can run all day without charging. And Metro has had multiple bus bases for electric trolleys. Those are the real zero emissions buses. Too bad Metro won’t invest in increasing the trolley network.
I believe there’s a place for BEB’s in the network and applaud this move to electrify in this way. But it is too bad many trolley routes are running diesel and have for years. Please reconnect the wiring for the 2, 12, and others ASAP! And wire-up the 48 which runs under wire already for most if its route.