King County Metro set to open Tukwila electric bus base in Spring 2026

King County Metro’s Tukwila Base, its first 100 percent electric bus base, is nearing completion and preparing to start testing the charging infrastructure that will power 120 new battery-electric buses (BEB). Tukwila Base is scheduled to begin full operation in spring 2026.

Metro has set focus on becoming one of the first large transit agencies in the United States to operate a zero-emission fleet. The 544,000-square-foot base will include maintenance facilities and charging infrastructure for up to 120 BEBs. The base will also be home to zero-emission support vehicles, including electric sedans and utility carts, all powered by new charging infrastructure installed at the adjacent parking garage.

King County Metro is incorporating sustainability into the design and construction of the new buildings at Tukwila Base. Construction is designed to reduce energy consumption, and lighter-colored concrete will help reduce the heat island effect to minimize the need for irrigation. The features achieve platinum status on the county’s Sustainable Infrastructure Scorecard as required by the Green Building Ordinance.

The charging infrastructure is nearing completion and will be ready for testing as the first GILLIG buses purchased last spring start arriving this fall. During the testing period, Metro will focus on procedure checks, testing the charging infrastructure, expanding workforce training and allowing bus operators to practice using the base’s charging systems.

Source: King County Metro