Sound Transit has approved a $433 million contract with MV Transportation to operate its new Stride Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system — the agency’s first all-electric bus network.
The agreement covers system testing, operations setup, and maintenance across three new Stride lines connecting communities north, east, and south of Lake Washington. Service will begin in 2028 following construction along the I-405 and SR-522 corridors.
Under the plan, MV Transportation will prepare 48 battery-electric buses, oversee training and commissioning, and manage daily operations once the service is active. A new operations base in Bothell will maintain the fleet and support long-term expansion.
The seven-year contract runs through 2032, with renewal options extending to 2035. Sound Transit said the partnership will allow closer oversight of schedules, maintenance standards, and passenger experience than previous contracted service models.
Stride buses will feature frequent departures, off-board fare payment, and priority lanes designed to cut travel times. The system will replace several existing ST Express routes and provide direct links to the Link light rail network.
Construction begins in 2025, with testing phases in 2026–27 ahead of full operation.