Metro Transit examines greening its fleet

Metro Rapid Ride bus

The Metropolitan King County Council has approved a measure asking Metro Transit to study the feasibility of achieving a zero emissions or carbon-neutral bus and van pool fleet.

With new research demonstrating that continued high carbon emissions contribute to global climate change, including the rapid melting of the West Antarctic ice sheet, today’s action is a major local step forward in what would give greater Seattle one of the largest, zero emission or carbon neutral public transit fleets in the nation. 

“For decades, Metro has been a national leader in reducing the overall impact transportation has on our air quality by implementing cutting edge technology and reducing single occupant car trips,” said Council Vice Chair Rod Dembowski, the prime sponsor of the motion and chair of the Council’s Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee. 

“I believe we must continue to lead, and push forward aggressively by pursuing a carbon-neutral or zero emissions bus fleet. This motion lays the groundwork to do that, as our region grows and the demands on our transit system increase.”

“I am honored to co-sponsor this significant motion and look forward to reading Metro’s report on the feasibility of a carbon neutral fleet,” said Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles.

Studies indicate transportation as the region’s largest source of greenhouse gases, accounting for nearly half of all carbon emissions. Air particle pollution is a significant problem in the greater Seattle region, which can exacerbate conditions such as asthma. Seattle is also among the 25 cities most polluted by short-term particle pollution. The motion calls on Metro to prepare an analysis and recommend whether a carbon-neutral or zero emission fleet should be the preferred goal.