Metro to build its first all-electric bus garage in Washington, D.C.

Credit: Metro

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro/WMATA) has announced that it will build its first all-electric bus garage, with infrastructure and equipment needed to run 100 per cent electric vehicles, at the Northern Bus Garage in Northwest Washington, D.C.

Construction of the operations and maintenance facility is expected to take four years once all approvals are received, and will open with a mix of the current Metrobus fleet and new battery-electric vehicles, transitioning to 100 per cent electric as Metrobus’ electric bus fleet expands.

“This is an important step forward in Metro’s commitment to help our region to reduce its environmental footprint, improve public health and modernise our facilities,” said Metro‘s General Manager, Paul J. Wiedefeld. “We appreciate the Board’s leadership in contributing to the clean air targets shared by Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia.” 

In June 2021, Metro’s Board of Directors adopted a goal of a 100 per cent zero-emission bus fleet by 2045, with a full transition to battery-electric or other zero-emission bus purchases by 2030. A zero-emission bus fleet will improve regional air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide customers with a quieter, more comfortable ride. 

This phased conversion of the 1,500-vehicle Metrobus fleet will allow Metro to purchase vehicles as zero-emission technologies continue to improve to ensure consistent service reliability. It will also enable Metro and its regional partners to make needed investments in facilities, electric utility infrastructure and workforce training to support the fleet transition. 

Metro’s new Director of Zero-Emission Vehicles, Amy Mesrobian, is leading Metro’s Electric Bus Test and Evaluation Program, which includes the procurement of approximately 12 electric buses. The Test and Evaluation Program will provide data and experience with electric bus performance in typical Metrobus operating conditions. The results of the Test and Evaluation will inform future acquisition of electric buses, as well as the facility improvements and charging equipment needed to operate the electric buses.