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SFMTA board approves $9.96 million contract to buy six Solaris battery-electric buses
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Summary
The SFMTA board approved a contract to buy six Solaris battery-electric buses (three 40-foot and three 60-foot) for up to $9,960,000, funded largely with Prop L and RM3 funds; staff said the purchase diversifies suppliers while protecting the agency from tariff risk and requiring contingency provisions.
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency board approved a contract to procure six battery-electric buses from Solaris U.S. through a partnership with King County Metro at a not-to-exceed amount of $9,960,000.
Staff said the order — three 40-foot and three 60-foot battery-electric buses plus spare parts, special tools, manuals and training — is part of a broader fleet transition strategy to reach zero-emission vehicles over time while maintaining state-of-good-repair standards. The board approved the item after a presentation explaining funding sources (majority local funds including Prop L and Regional Measure 3), contractual protections against tariffs, and a plan to evaluate the pilot buses in revenue service.
"This procurement supports our commitment to delivering safe, reliable, and zero-emission buses," the presenter said, noting that Solaris is a large European manufacturer now pursuing a presence in the U.S.; the presenter said Solaris plans a U.S. facility targeted for early 2027 but the pilot buses will be built in Poland to U.S. specs.
Directors raised Buy America and tariff concerns; staff said buying with local funds allows this pilot procurement to proceed while the agency simultaneously seeks to encourage Solaris to establish compliant U.S. production. Staff said contract language allows adjusting quantity, unit pricing, or cancelling at no cost to SFMTA in the event of substantial tariff impacts.
Board members asked staff to return with facility-electrification planning and a broader alternatives analysis for scaling electrification. The board approved the contract by roll call.
