Seattle Goes On Hybrid Bus Shopping Spree

King County Metro plans to add 500 new hybrid buses to its fleet -- increasing service by nearly a third.

1 minute read

May 18, 2007, 1:00 PM PDT

By Christian Madera @http://www.twitter.com/cpmadera


"The nation's biggest fleet of hybrid buses is about to triple.

King County Metro Transit announced Wednesday that it will order up to 500 hybrid buses in the next five years, adding those to its 237 hybrids already on the street.

The diesel-electric hybrids, meant to reduce global warming, will be purchased mainly with federal grants, combined with a local sales-tax increase approved by voters last fall. The ballot measure, known as "Transit Now," will fund more frequent bus service throughout the county."

"Most transit agencies have not leapt into the hybrid market as eagerly as King County.

advertising

Portland's Tri-Met, for instance, with two hybrid buses, reports fuel savings of 20 percent. "We're waiting for the price of hybrids to come down," said spokeswoman Mary Fetsch. "

Thursday, May 17, 2007 in The Seattle Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

7 hours ago - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Close-up of white panel at top of school bus with "100% electric" black text.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation

California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

4 hours ago - California Air Resources Board

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

5 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

"No Thru Traffic - Open Streets Restaurants" sign in New York City during Covid-19 pandemic.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street

How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.

6 hours ago - Next City