The Bolt is a zero-emission electric vehicle with an estimated range of 238 miles per charge. Charging time is 9.5 hours. Metro will be testing the cars over the next year for their feasibility and operational viability. The cars will be used as part of Metro’s vehicle pool for field operations and driver relief assignments.
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Life-cycle costs will be assessed to determine the feasibility of replacing the entire Metro sedan fleet with electric vehicles. Preliminary research indicates that although initial electric vehicle capital costs are higher, operating costs — for maintenance and fuel — are lower and will continue to be reduced as battery technology advances and the range of vehicles increases.
As part of the initial pilot program, Metro has installed charging stations at Union Station, Division 13, Division 18 and the Central Maintenance Facility.
The Metro Board of Directors voted earlier this summer to endorse the conversion of the entire Metro bus fleet to zero-emission buses by 2030. The buses are currently powered by compressed natural gas, which is far cleaner than diesel but is still a fossil fuel.
Metro’s Sustainability program is focused on reducing the agency’s impact on the environment.
A major goal of the pilot, which begins in April, is to test the speed, functionality, and durability of new handheld devices to scan Ventra and paper tickets.
Traditionally, bus lane enforcement has relied on manual processes carried out by transit police or parking enforcement officers. While it may be effective in certain municipalities, this approach is resource-intensive and very difficult to sustain.
A phased approach to technology, in-house capabilities, and workforce investment is helping transportation leaders break the reactive cycle and build more resilient, revenue-focused operations.
The landmark event empowers riders across six agencies in the Puget Sound region to tap-and-ride transit using a contactless credit or debit card or a mobile wallet.
Now in its latest edition, the awards recognize forward-thinking solutions that improve safety, operational efficiency, sustainability, rider experience, and overall system performance.
Menard discusses how data-driven signal prioritization is improving efficiency, reliability, and ridership, while offering insight into the innovations driving the next generation of smart mobility. Together, they explore how technology and collaboration are paving the way for a more connected, sustainable future in transit.
The pilot program showcases two companies’ technology at eight bus stops. The companies submitted their ideas through the Transit Tech Lab, which is backed by the Partnership Fund for New York City and provides an accelerated pathway for early to growth-stage companies to solve public transportation challenges for the largest transit agencies in North America.
