King County Metro provides South Bus Base Expansion update
King County Metro Transit is transitioning to a zero-emissions fleet by 2035.
To meet this goal, King County Metro must update its bases to support the electric buses and is starting this work at the South Campus in Tukwila to bring the environmental and health benefits associated with battery-electric bus operations to the communities that need it most.
The transition is in motion at the South Base with the construction of the test-charging facility for the next generation of battery-electric coaches.
The first project, the Interim Base, sits next to the South Base on East Marginal Way. It will support early battery-electric bus operations in 2025/2026. Design and construction of the electric charging upgrades will happen over the next few years.
Project schedule
2018- 2020
- Planning and design for South Annex Base.
- Start Interim Base construction.
2021-2025
- Electric charging upgrades for Interim Base.
- Interim Base complete.
- Final design for South Annex Base.
2025- 2027
- South Annex Base construction and completion.
- Early battery-electric bus deployments from Interim Base.
South Annex Base: King County Metro’s game changing all-electric base
When completed, South Annex Base will house up to 250 battery-electric buses, one of the largest zero-emission bus bases in the country. King County Metro says its pursuit of the Living Building Challenge certification will also make it one of the greenest facilities possible.
By restoring two sections of Riverton Creek, King County Metro will also improve the salmon habitats contained in pipes below the site.
The agency is currently in early stages of the design process, which will last around three years. In early discussions with the community, it heard that King County Metro should make South Annex Base less industrial and more beautiful than existing bases, with a focus on green spaces.
Upcoming opportunities to share thoughts on South Annex Base
King County Metro says it is committed to engaging Tukwila neighbors in the design process for South Annex Base. There will be several opportunities for the public to comment on the design process.
Construction notes for the public
As King County Metro upgrades the site fencing and landscaping at the South Campus Office and Storage Auxiliary property at 12677 East Marginal Way South, the community may see vehicles and equipment coming and going. The agency says it hopes to have more information on its effort to daylight the stream under this property in the next year.
