Moving Forward to a more environmentally sustainable service
In Minnesota, transportation is the single largest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. That’s why we’re committed to expanding transit use and increasing our reliance on renewable energy.
Our work is guided by:
Track the Met Council's progress toward state sustainability goals at sustainability.mn.gov.
A growing reliance on renewable energy to power our facilities and our fleet
To serve our region, we have a network of support facilities that includes five bus garages and three light rail maintenance facilities. We also maintain around 150 rail and bus rapid transit stations, close to 50 Park & Rides, and a fleet of 118 electric light rail vehicles. Combined, our facilities and vehicles use about as much energy as 11,400 average Minnesota homes a year, making us one of the largest energy users in the region.
To further reduce our reliance on fossil fuels we are:
- Expanding the use of energy-efficient LED lighting at stations, garages, and other support buildings
- Expanding our use of electric buses and electric vehicles employees use to maintain and monitor our system
- Closely monitoring energy use at all our facilities and using technology so our buildings operate efficiently
- Installing solar panels, subscribing to solar gardens, and participating in utility-sponsored renewable energy programs
Zero Emission Bus Transition Plan
Guided by our Zero Emission Bus Transition Plan, we are gradually adding battery electric buses to our fleet. Our efforts will evolve to reflect trends in technology and lessons learned from our experience.
Where are we now?
Eight electric buses went into service on the METRO C Line in 2019. Through the end of 2023, these 60-foot buses have traveled nearly 560,000 miles, a distance that would have required the use of 42,200 gallons of diesel fuel and produced 430 metric tons of carbon dioxide.
Where are we going?
Five 60-foot electric buses will be added to the METRO Gold Line fleet in 2025. As early as 2026, 20 40-foot electric buses will go into service, supporting our goal of having 20% of replacement 40-foot buses purchased through 2030 be electric buses. To support these electric buses, we are installing charging equipment at our East Metro and North Loop garages and acquiring mobile chargers for flexible usage in bus maintenance areas.
How are decisions being made?
Cost, available technology, and other factors will be considered when purchasing new buses. Decisions about where electric buses operate are informed by service needs and a commitment to reducing pollution in historically disadvantaged communities.
Sustainability in action: North Loop Garage
Opened in 2023, our 350,000-square-foot North Loop Garage includes a geothermal heating and cooling system, thermal wall paneling, a stormwater reuse system, and LED lighting throughout. In the future, the garage will have charging equipment for electric buses.