King County Metro Launches New Battery-Electric Buses

King County Metro, Seattle, WA, is sending a clear message about what the future of public transportation must look like: cleaner, safer, and built around the people who keep the system moving.

With the launch of a new fleet of battery-electric buses from GILLIG, Metro is taking another major step toward a zero-emission future while also delivering on one of the most urgent priorities facing the industry today: driver safety.

King County Executive Girmay Zahilay joined Metro leadership to introduce the new vehicles, which feature enhanced driver safety partitions that will be the first to enter service following commitments made after the tragic death of Metro operator Shawn Yim.

“Public transit is one of the most powerful ways we connect people to opportunity,” Zahilay said. “And while cleaner technology and cleaner air matter, progress is only possible if the people behind the wheel are safe and supported.”

The new safety partitions, which meet industry safety standards for driver compartments, include a reinforced lower metal panel extending to the driver’s platform, paired with a two-part sliding glass system. A larger, extendable glass panel improves both coverage and visibility, while an additional polycarbonate panel reaches the ceiling for added protection. The partition will remain closed except when drivers are assisting customers with mobility devices.

At the same time, Metro is expanding its clean fleet with buses designed for longer-range service. Equipped with larger batteries than Metro’s current electric vehicles, the new 40-foot buses are expected to travel approximately 240 to 280 miles on a single charge and carry up to 68 passengers. Metro will closely monitor performance as the vehicles enter service and operations scale up.

The buses will join Metro’s existing fleet of 40 battery-electric buses, with charging operations beginning this spring at Tukwila Base. As additional vehicles are delivered, service will expand across south King County. Once fully built out, Tukwila Base will support up to 120 battery-electric buses, serving tens of thousands of riders.

Beyond performance and infrastructure, Metro is also unveiling a new look for its fleet. The GILLIG buses debut Metro’s updated exterior design, dubbed “The New Energy,” reflecting the agency’s continued transition toward sustainability and modernization.