Metro Transit Zero-Emission Bus (ZEB) Transition Plan
Under state statute, the Metropolitan Council is responsible for developing a Zero-Emission Bus and electric vehicle transition plan and revise the plan once every five years (Minn. Stat. 473.3927). The initial plan was submitted to the Legislature in February 2022.
Zero-Emission Bus Transition Plan [PDF]
The Plan identifies short- (2022-2027), medium- (2028-2032), and long- (beyond 2033) term opportunities, risks, and implementation strategies to transition Metro Transit's bus fleet to zero-emission technology.
According to Minnesota Pollution Control Agency 2018 data:
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The transportation sector in Minnesota accounts for about a quarter of all statewide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
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Buses (including school buses, transit buses, and intercity buses) account for 0.7% of transportation GHG emissions in Minnesota
The transition to zero-emission buses is one of many strategies Metro Transit intends to implement to make a meaningful impact on tackling climate change.
Timeline of Metro Transit sustainability initiatives
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1991 first bus-only highway shoulders reduce idling in rush hour traffic
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2002 First hybrid electric buses introduced
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2007 Particulate matter trap filters introduced reducing particulate matter emissions
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2010 Diesel Exhaust Fluid introduced reducing nitrous oxide emissions
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2012 First solar and renewable energy source begin to power buildings and facilities
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2016 First non-revenue electric vehicles
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2019 First battery electric buses begin service on METRO C Line
Three guiding principles and six supporting actions were established as the framework for the Transition Plan and for use in defining the definition of a successful transition to ZEBs. The guiding principles are Technical Viability, Equity and Environmental Justice, and Fiscal Impact.

Metro Transit engaged interested stakeholders and communities October to December 2021. Engagement included:
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Virtual stakeholder summit
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Public survey
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Outreach to frontline Metro Transit staff
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Presentations to Minneapolis and St. Paul neighborhood organizations
Engagement participants ranked environmental and population characteristics in surveys and interactive polling at virtual summit and neighborhood presentations. This data is the basis of an Equity and Environmental Justice prioritization method which will assist in prioritizing areas for ZEB implementation.

ZEB Transition Plan Stakeholder Summit Recording
ZEB Transition Next Steps
Milestones establish key targets and projections for the transition to ZEBs over a set period of time. Metro Transit intends to establish milestones for the transition to ZEBs that are set in five-year increments.
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Vehicle Procurement: Vehicle procurement measures the percentage of transit vehicle procurements that are ZEBs over a specific time horizon.
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Target: Between 2022 and 2027, at least 20% of Metro Transit’s 40-foot bus replacement procurements will be electric.
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Projection: Between 2028 and 2032, the percentage of Metro Transit bus procurements that are zero emission will be driven by key performance indicators and available budgetary resources.
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Continued ZEB Transition Plan Outreach - Metro Transit will continue to conduct outreach to stakeholders including progress updates and future plan updates. If you have questions about the ZEB Transition Plan, please contact Yumi Nagaoka at Yumi.Nagaoka@metrotransit.org or 612-349-7328.
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Performance Measure Reporting – Metro Transit will update the Council on performance of the ZEB fleet and infrastructure at least once per year.
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Budget Planning – Metro Transit will update the capital and operating plans annually based on ZEB fleet and infrastructure performance.
Metro Transit’s commitment to learning and leading in shift to electric buses
Metro Transit is committed to reducing vehicle emissions by bringing more electric buses into its fleet. This commitment is reflected in these actions:
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The purchase of eight 60-foot electric buses for the METRO C Line.
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The development of a Zero Emission Bus Transition Plan.
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The planned purchase of eight 40-foot electric buses that will be used on local routes beginning in 2023.

Still learning
Bus manufacturers and service providers across the country are at the forefront of the transition to electric vehicles. Metro Transit is proud to be a part of the industry’s shift and believes electric buses will represent a growing share of America’s transit fleet over time.
Metro Transit was among the first agencies in the country to use hybrid-electric buses. The agency’s first electric buses entered service in 2019, with the opening of the METRO C Line.

Current fleet
Currently, Metro Transit’s bus fleet includes:
Buses typically remain in service for around 12-14 years before they are retired and sold.