Metro orders bus partitions for new electric coaches, plans retrofits for 1,200 coaches; East Link and spring service changes highlighted

King County Metro will add bus operator partitions to an upcoming order of 89 battery‑electric coaches and develop a retrofit for roughly 1,200 existing coaches, Metro General Manager Michelle Allison told the Regional Transit Committee on March 19.

‘‘We will now continue to work on a retrofit option for our existing fleet. We have roughly 1,200 coaches that will need to have a partition designed for them so we can complete our commitment to our operator barriers throughout our entire system,’’ Allison said.

Why it matters: Metro said the new prototype partitions use stronger materials (laminated tempered glass), extend coverage toward the ceiling and include a metal door that locks from the driver’s side. Metro framed the changes as an operator safety improvement developed with input from ATU Local 587 and operator feedback; staff also acknowledged the passenger experience will change…