The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) announced two new 60-foot electric buses made their debut on Nov. 13 on the W4 route from Anacostia to Deanwood.

These buses are the first to help Metro meet its goal of an entirely zero-emission bus fleet by 2042. 

"These new buses will help improve air quality for our communities,” Metro GM/CEO Randy Clarke said. “One of the most underrated aspects of the electric bus is the reduction in sound pollution in our cities. All of this goes toward our sustainability goals of combating climate change and ensuring DMV residents have healthy, livable neighborhoods.”

Details of Metro's Electric Buses

The New Flyer Xcelsior has zero tailpipe emissions.

Improved customer amenities include digital passenger information screens, USB charging ports, and new fare boxes.

The first two articulated buses will be deployed on the W4 route from Anacostia to Deanwood. 

The buses began routes early Monday, but people can still catch them leaving the Anacostia station bus loop at about 2:36 p.m. and 5:06 p.m. and the Deanwood station bus loop at about 4:10 p.m. and 6:24 p.m. They can also track them in real time by selecting the “Special Edition” tab. The buses will appear as green electric plug logos but will only be on the tracker when the vehicles are in service.

Maintenance and operations staff can remotely monitor the buses' performance and battery charge levels. The buses charge at the Shepherd Parkway Bus Division and regenerative braking helps to extend the battery life. 

Metro added it has placed orders for 10 more electric buses, with deliveries expected to begin in 2024.