Houston METRO Introduces First Electric Buses

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (Houston METRO) has rolled out its first zero-emission electric buses for regular service. The 402 Bellaire Quickline has transitioned to an all-electric fleet, and the 28 OST-Wayside service now includes five electric vehicles.

“These improvements are an investment in our customers. The new electric buses meet our broader goals of ensuring the system is accessible, equitable, and helps us close environmental justice gaps,” said METRO Board Chair Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock. “Both routes service some communities that include minority, low-income, and transit-dependent populations. It is so important we provide these customers with an easy and safe choice that they will be excited to ride.”

Moving away from diesel is a key component of the agency’s initiative to build a more sustainable, environmentally friendly public transit system. While METRO already operates more than 400 clean-running diesel-electric hybrid buses, an FTA grant will ensure the agency has 20 electric buses and 14 hydrogen fuel cell electric buses in total in the coming years.