Friday Roundtable: New Battery Buses

Four Gillig battery-electric buses at Metro's Tukwila Base.

Yesterday, King County Metro launched its next generation of battery-electric buses (BEB) with a new livery and upgraded operator safety partitions. The new buses from Gillig will begin service on February 2, 2026 with periodic service on routes 105, 128, 161, 165, 184, and the F Line. The rollout of these buses marks a key milestone for Metro as it continues towards its goal of a zero emission fleet by 2035.

Metro's new fleet will be based out of the brand new Tukwila Base. The Tukwila Base has capacity for 120 buses and sports 123 pantograph chargers. Each 40ft Gillig bus has an estimated range of 240-280 miles and can carry up to 68 passengers. Metro's initial order with Gillig was for 89 battery-electric buses. If the agency is satisfied with the buses from this order, it will have the option to purchase up to 395 buses.

Operator Safety Partitions

In addition to a new livery (called The New Energy"), these buses are the first to have upgraded operator safety partitions. The partitions have three sections: a reinforced lower metal panel between the floor and waist-height, an extendable glass panel in the middle, and a polycarbonate panel at the top. Unlike the current partitions, these will remain closed at all times, except for when the operator is assisting customers with mobility devices.

King County Metro began exploring improved operator safety partitions after the tragic killing of Metro operator Shawn Yim in 2024.

Member of the Vehicle Maintenance staff demonstrating the new Operator Safety Partition. (Metro)Other BEBs in Metro's Fleet

Over the past 10 years, Metro has tested several other makes and models of battery-electric buses. In 2016, three Proterra Catalyst battery-powered buses started running on short Eastside routes and charged using overhead chargers at Eastgate Transit Center. Metro purchaced 8 more Proterra Catalyst buses in 2018 but retired the fleet in 2024, shortly after Proterra filed for bankruptcy. In March 2022, Metro introduced 40ft and 60ft New Flyer Xcelsior battery electric buses on some routes in south King County. Metro currently has 20 of each model in its fleet.

New Flyer Xcelsior XE40 bus on Route 161 in 2023

More news: Pierce Transit will be free next Wednesday, February 4th, for Transit Equity Day.

This is an open thread.