New look—same goal: Excellent transit service that reduces greenhouse gas emissions

There’s a new look for Metro as we celebrate Earth Day.

Across King County, Metro’s newest battery-electric buses are rolling out in a fresh mix of blues, yellows, and greens symbolizing our commitment to a cleaner zero-emission future.

This spring, Metro’s new GILLIG buses have been added to our growing base of zero-emission vehicles. The Metro Milestone this Earth Day is that 50 of the 89 GILLIG buses are now available for service, with even more vehicles getting ready to join the fleet as they are commissioned.

Reducing air pollution with zero-emission buses, improving service

Metro continues to prioritize south King County routes for the initial deployment, where many communities experience higher-than-average levels of air pollution. Deploying zero-emission buses in these neighborhoods supports healthier air quality while expanding access to cleaner transit options.

With major Link light rail expansions and related bus service improvements, riders have more ways than ever to travel across King County on public transportation, especially on the Eastside and South King County.

Transportation (including single-occupancy vehicles) remains the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in our region. By providing safe, clean and reliable transit, Metro gives people a real alternative to driving—reducing emissions while connecting communities.

These new buses are helping us ramp up operations at Metro’s new Tukwila Base – our first fully zero emissions bus base — as we test charging systems and software technology.

Decades of electric trolley buses paved the way
As we celebrate the new buses, we also recognize Metro’s long history of zero-emissions transit: from the retirement of our last diesel only buses in 2020 (making us one of the few transit agencies in the U. S. with no diesel vehicles as part of its fleet) to expanding our use of renewable diesel for our buses and the King County Water Taxi.

We also continue to operate our original zero-emission vehicles—174 electric trolleys, a system that has been serving the public for over 85 years, from Rainier Beach to Ballard, up Queen Anne and down Madrona.

Metro’s zero-emission bus fleet is now more than 200 vehicles strong and growing! This Earth Day, we’re proud to keep moving forward, delivering cleaner air and contributing to healthier outcomes for our communities. Be on the lookout for our new colors in your neighborhood.