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King County
Executive Office
Ron Sims, King County Executive 701 Fifth Ave. Suite 3210 Seattle, WA 98104 Phone: 206-296-4040 Fax: 206-296-0194 TTY Relay: 711
Image: King County Exeutive Ron Sims, News Release

May 16, 2007

Sims announces landmark contract to expand Metro fleet

Order for up to 500 clean-and-green buses will be key in keeping county moving

Order for up to 500 clean-and-green buses will be key in keeping county movingKing County today announced the purchase of up to 500 new buses that will help deliver one of the biggest bus service expansions in Metro history. Most of the buses will be articulated hybrids manufactured under a contract believed to be the largest of its kind in North America.

King County Executive Ron Sims selected New Flyer Industries, General Motors Corporation and Cummins Engine Company as the major commercial partners in delivering Metro's next generation of buses. Managers of the three companies, Metropolitan King County Council Chair Larry Gossett and Councilmember Reagan Dunn joined the Executive in announcing the contract.

"This major bus order marks an historic chapter for Metro," Sims said. "Voters overwhelmingly approved Transit Now last fall; this new fleet will put more frequent bus service on the streets at the same time it helps meet our goals to fight global warming.

"I am proud that we continue to be one of the greenest transit agencies in the nation and that we helped pioneered this technology that is now used by transit agencies across the nation," said Sims.

All the buses will meet or exceed the latest federal environmental standards. The first 22 articulated hybrids will arrive next spring, with another planned order for 100 buses in 2009 to provide new Rapid Ride service on five routes.

The contract will allow Metro to place multiple bus orders over the next five years to support its Transit Now initiative that expands service up to 20 percent. The expanded and more frequent service is designed to make transit more attractive to drivers. Metro's goal is to get up to 50,000 drivers out of their cars and riding buses by 2016.

The contract, structured similar to those used in the aviation industry, will give Metro the flexibility to order different types of buses and components specifically designed for different uses whether it is hybrid-electric, regular diesel-powered or European-style coaches fashioned for future bus rapid transit routes. General Motors and Cummins will provide major operating components for the buses.

Metro expects subsequent orders will be used to replace aging buses in its fleet and for expanded service to offset the traffic impacts associated with reconstruction of the Alaskan Way Viaduct and State Route 520.

While the cost of the new buses will depend on the types of features and components ultimately selected, the order could be worth as much as $400 million over the life of the contract. The buses will be paid for with a combination of local, state and federal funding sources.

"For the first time, we have a contract with the flexibility for us to choose from a menu of bus features to better meet Metro's needs," said Sims. "This allows Metro and its commercial partners to work more collaboratively and quickly, which will reduce the time it typically takes to develop and execute individual contracts."

The new buses will be good for both bus riders and residents of the region.

"Voters said they wanted more bus service and this contract will give them that," said Metropolitan King County Council Chair Larry Gossett. "People will get improved bus service and better air quality as a result of this service expansion. I'm proud that we are a model for the rest of the nation for hybrid bus technology and for this innovative contract that will streamline the bus purchasing process."

The order for new buses will also help relieve overcrowding on popular Metro routes.

"Our message to commuters is if you can't stand the high gas prices, you've got a place to sit on a Metro bus," said King County Councilmember Julia Patterson, who partnered with Sims in advocating for the passage of Transit Now. "I hear more and more from commuters across King County who want reliable, frequent and comfortable transit service as an alternative to driving alone. This major bus order will alleviate some of our standing room only routes and bring better bus service to thousands of King County citizens."

The contract will deliver on promises made to voters last year.

"Everyday my constituents ask when they will get their Transit Now service," said Councilmember Reagan Dunn, who chairs the council's Transportation Committee and the Regional Transit Committee. "Since voter approval last November, we have been constrained by the number of buses in our fleet. Now we can say the service is on its way!"

Initial Transit Now service investments began in the February 2007 service change when Metro added more frequent service on nine heavily used routes to relieve overcrowding during busy off-peak periods.

Metro currently owns 214 articulated hybrid buses, the largest such fleet in the nation. A National Renewable Energy Lab study found articulated hybrids provide a 30 percent reduction in greenhouse gases and are 40 percent more reliable than diesel fueled articulated buses.

To complement King County's environmental commitment, G.M. announced it will donate up to 500 native trees to King County. The donation will be used to help replace trees damaged during last winter's windstorm.

King County Metro Transit is among the 10 largest bus systems in the nation. Metro buses provide more than 100 million passenger trips a year, and the agency operates one of the largest carpool and park-and-ride programs in the country. It is also recognized as a leader in reducing pollution with its use of clean-burning fuels, electric trolleys, and hybrid buses. Metro customers consistently give the agency high marks for friendly, on-time service.

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  Updated: May 18, 2007