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Solaris Bus & Coach has secured its inaugural contract in the United States, marking a significant advancement in its strategic expansion into the North American zero-emission bus (ZEB) market. The agreement is with King County Metro, the transit authority serving Seattle, Washington, and 34 surrounding cities.
Key Highlights:
- Contract Details: The initial order comprises two 40-foot battery electric buses and two 60-foot articulated electric buses, with an option for up to 12 additional units. Deliveries are scheduled for the latter half of 2026.
- Customized Design: These buses will be built on an electric-specific platform tailored for the North American market, ensuring compliance with U.S. regulations, including FMVSS and ADA standards.
- Advanced Technology: The platform will incorporate Solaris’ latest battery bus technology, featuring advanced electrical propulsion systems, proprietary battery integration, and state-of-the-art connectivity features, all proven in the European market.
Javier Iriarte, CEO of Solaris Bus & Coach, emphasized the significance of this development: “This agreement is an incredibly important achievement and a milestone in the history of Solaris. This is another step towards the realization of our strategic goals, and of our vision to make Solaris the supplier of choice in North America for zero emission buses. We want to thank King County Metro for choosing Solaris and our product. It is my pleasure to be here, I am sure that this is the start of a fruitful collaboration with King County Metro and that our vehicles will meet and exceed their expectations.”
King County Executive Dow Constantine highlighted the environmental benefits: “Metro has been a national leader in transitioning to a zero-emission fleet, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, lowering maintenance costs, and improving air quality. Our battery-electric buses are part of the clean energy infrastructure King County is building to deliver the transportation network of tomorrow. Expanding the number of manufacturers who can produce these new vehicles for North American markets benefits not only our region but transit agencies throughout the country. This agreement between King County Metro and Solaris is a critical next step.”
Michelle Allison, General Manager of King County Metro, added: “At Metro, we are deeply committed to building a sustainable future through innovation and collaboration. Our goal is to create a zero-emission fleet that not only enhances our communities but also leads the way in environmental responsibility. Metro’s partnership with electric and hydrogen bus manufacturer Solaris will help overcome the bus manufacturing shortage and potentially provide more options for other transit agencies in North America, too.”
With over 5,000 zero-emission vehicles delivered across nearly 30 countries, Solaris continues to expand its global presence. The company’s diverse product portfolio includes battery electric buses, hydrogen buses, and trolleybuses, with a strong emphasis on low and zero-emission technologies. Notably, in 2017, the Solaris Urbino 12 electric was recognized as the “Bus of the Year” in Europe.
This contract signifies Solaris’ commitment to contributing to sustainable public transportation solutions in the United States and aligns with King County Metro’s objectives to enhance environmental responsibility within its transit operations.
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