King County Metro Unveils New Look of Next-Gen Battery-Electric Bus

King County Executive Dow Constantine unveiled one of Metro’s next-generation battery-electric buses wrapped in the new colors of the fleet at Metro’s South Base, according to King County Metro's news release. 

Called “The New Energy,” the livery design is a mix of electric yellow and seafoam blue, is a visual representation of Metro’s commitment to helping combat climate change, and will be outfitted on all the new vehicles joining the fleet.

Along with Executive Constantine, Metro General Manager Michelle Allison, King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski, and Teague Livery Design Manager Katie Ryan, helped unveil the new design.

“For fifty years Metro has kept this region moving forward. And as we head into the next fifty years, every new Metro bus will carry with it the New Energy, a bold new look for our mobility network,” said Constantine. “With each bright new bus rolling down the street, we’re one step closer to that zero-emission fleet. It’s an exciting symbol of our progress and I can’t wait for everyone to experience the New Energy.”

Details of the New Design

The new design is the first major change for the look of Metro’s fleet since 2004 and is intended to be a visual reminder of the transition away from Metro’s hybrid (diesel-electric) buses to the zero-emission fleet.

There will be two separate designs: a color mix of blues, yellows, and greens across the top of Metro’s standard fleet, and the color purple joining the familiar red that represents Metro’s RapidRide fleet across the top of those buses.

Metro’s original zero-emission fleet, the electric trolleys, will continue sporting purple.

“These colors are a dramatic and exciting change, and we want to celebrate their arrival,” said Allison. “A representation of the green and yellow leaves on the trees we pass every day to a red and purple that looks suspiciously like the colors of a couple of competing state universities, these colors are both familiar and new. I look forward to seeing them on the street.”

The new liveries were designed in collaboration with the internationally recognized design consultancy Teague, known for outfitting Alaska Airlines, The Boeing Company, and West Jet.

The Seattle-headquartered agency spent months soliciting expertise, guidance, and inspiration from across Metro— especially bus operations, safety, and vehicle maintenance—and communities—with a focus on priority populations.

“The new livery design is equal parts functional and beautiful,” said Teague Design Manager Katie Ryan. “It communicates necessary information effectively, captures attention with its delightful visual appeal, and celebrates Metro’s bold vision for the future all while adhering to strict standards for safety in urban mass transportation.”

The new liveries will be phased in as the new battery-electric buses start going into service, which is scheduled to begin in 2025. The new design will be painted at the factory for new vehicles as they replace the hybrid fleet.