Houston METRO Makes Historic Commitment to Electrify Entire Fleet, Joining Vanguard of Transit Agencies and Cities Acting on Climate

Statement of Colin Leyden, Texas Political Director, EDF

(Houston, T.X.) Today the Houston METRO Board of Directors voted to approve a transformational goal to fully electrify the transit agency’s fleet of over 1,300 buses by 2030, in addition to signing off on the development of a Climate Action Plan.

METRO operates the largest transit fleet in the state and one of the largest in the nation, and nearly half of Houston’s climate emissions come from the transportation sector. EDF analysis has found agencies like METRO can save money by transitioning to electric buses, which on average have a total cost of ownership 12% lower than that of diesel buses over a 12-year lifetime.

Houston has a persistent problem with unhealthy levels of ground-level ozone, or smog. Electrifying heavy-duty diesel buses, like the ones in METRO’s fleet, is one of the most cost-effective ways to slash the emissions that contribute to the problem.

“This commitment is a historic win for Houston’s health and climate. Houstonians deserve a modern, clean transit fleet that cuts pollution and saves money, and with an all-electric fleet Houston METRO can deliver. Mayor Turner and the METRO board are to be commended for driving this progress and delivering meaningful climate action for the Houston region.”

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