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In the Puget Sound region, transportation is the largest contributor of greenhouse gases. King County is a regional and national leader in finding innovative and creative solutions to address this challenge with a commitment to purchasing 120 electric buses by 2020 and achieving a zero-emissions bus fleet by 2040.
The first electric buses began running on Eastside routes over a year ago and a new fast-charging station for electric buses was installed at the Bellevue Bus Base in July to charge more electric buses. King County Metro Routes 226 and 241 will now include eight battery buses. By building a regional system made up of clean, quiet, and reliable vehicles powered by electricity we are also building toward our climate change goals.
By
transitioning all Washington State buses to electric buses, we could reduce
pollution by over 89,500 tons each year. In addition, thanks to technological
innovations, all-electric buses can help save taxpayer money. Electric buses
save at least $0.19 per mile in maintenance costs and can pay for themselves
within 10 years.
To learn more
about the benefits of electric buses, check out a recent Environment Washington
and WashPIRG report, “Electric Buses: Clean
Transportation for Healthier Neighborhoods and Cleaner Air.”.
Until next time,
 Claudia Balducci
King County Council
District 6
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