King County Metro celebrates opening of charging facility and beginning of battery-electric bus service
King County Metro Transit officials joined King County Executive Dow Constantine, the cities of Seattle and Tukwila, Seattle City Light and New Flyer of America to celebrate the opening of the test charging facility for King County Metro’s battery-electric fleet. The first battery-electric buses began service March 30.
“This state-of-the-art charging facility, and the coaches that will use it, recognizes Metro’s continuing transition to a green future,” said King County Metro General Manager Terry White. “The experience and knowledge we gain from the systems developed here will be replicated throughout the region to support our growing battery-electric fleet. We look forward to riders enjoying these quiet, efficient and zero-emission coaches.”
This opening also marks the start of service for the first next-generation coaches provided by New Flyer. The test base, which can charge up to nine coaches simultaneously, was created with an interchangeable design that utilizes charging infrastructure from multiple manufacturers, meaning all the major battery-electric buses will be able to successfully charge at any station. The facility will also be able to charge electric vehicles already in use.
“As we charge up these new electric coaches at this state-of-the-art facility and send them out on the road, we’re reducing global carbon emissions while taking local air pollution out of the communities most impacted by climate change,” said Executive Constantine. “Developing buses to handle our unique conditions and scaling up our green infrastructure wouldn’t be possible without the innovative leadership of King County Metro and our partners in the transportation industry. That coordination has delivered the fleet that will drive Metro to the next green frontier.”
In 2020, King County announced the agreement with New Flyer to purchase next-generation, battery-electric coaches. A total of 40 battery-electric coaches will be put into service by the end of 2022. King County Metro is currently on track to have a fully battery-electric fleet by 2035. The 60-foot coaches hold 120 people and can travel approximately 140 miles on a single charge. The 40-foot coaches hold 76 people and can travel about 220 miles on a single charge.
King County Metro says it is committed to having the first coaches serve routes in south King County, in transit-dependent communities that have been impacted by air pollution and climate change. The first of the New Flyer coaches will go into service on Route 193, which will carry riders from Federal Way to Seattle’s First Hill.
Seattle City Light was a key partner in the project, providing direct support for the infrastructure concept design and build, testing and commissioning to expedite the provision of the electrical service and make the most efficient use of the utility electric system. Through close coordination and best practices, King County Metro and Seattle City Light have been able to innovate the classic customer/utility relationship.
“Transportation electrification is an integral part of City Light’s modernization plan,” said Debra Smith, general manager and CEO, Seattle City Light. “This strategic partnership with King County Metro helps prioritize public transportation electrification to deliver a triple win for our communities, the environment and the utility.”
