PLEASE NOTE: These bulletins, published since 1997, are historical. The content is not updated.
King County Metro Transit operates a fleet of 1300 buses, including some electric trolley buses, powered through overhead wires. These trolleys run on electricity from these wires for most, or all, of their route, which substantially reduces emissions. Well-maintained electric motors last a long time. In fact, Metro's waterfront streetcars still have their original electric motors, and they were built more than 70 years ago.
Currently, 100 electric trolleys are being retired, and King County Metro Transit is purchasing replacements. These new buses have been ordered without motors and the motors from the old trolleys are being refurbished for installation in the new bus bodies. The new trolleys will be more reliable because of their new electronics and pole technology that will allow them to stay better connected to the overhead wires.
In addition to this being the "ultimate recycling project," according to King County Executive Ron Sims and Metro General Manager Rick Walsh, this approach will save Metro Transit about $200,000 per coach, or $20 million for the entire purchase.
New Trolley Buses Use Recycled Electric Motors
Read the News Release: Metro Transit rolls out the first of 100 new trolley buses; purchase designed to save $20 million
On the sides of a new Metro trolley bus are signs announcing, "This is the first of 100 non-polluting electric trolley buses."
Environmental Purchasing Program
The King County Environmental Purchasing Program assists County agencies in implementation of King County Executive Policy CON-7-1-2, which requires agencies to use recycled and other environmentally preferable products wherever practicable.
The program assembles information about these products and makes it available to specific agency users who can evaluate them and develop applications in County projects.
These environmental purchasing bulletins contain information about the results of product evaluations and other accomplishments of County agencies. We hope this information will help you find ways to use recycled materials in the work of your agency and that you will contact us if we can help you with further information or if you have suggestions.
Environmental Purchasing Program King County Procurement Services Division
Published: April 16, 2002
Return to Environmental Purchasing Menu |
Bulletin List
Updated: April 16, 2002
King County | News | Services | Comments | Search Links to external sites do not constitute endorsements by King County.
E-mail