News Release

April 21, 2008

Virginia Miller
(202) 496-4816
vmiller@apta.com

(Download In Adobe PDF format)

Question:  What is the connection between public transportation and climate change?  Answer:  Public transportation is part of the solution to helping reduce greenhouse gases.  In fact, thanks to public transportation our country’s carbon footprint is reduced by 37 million metric tons – the equivalent of 4.9 million households using electricity in a year.

To remind public transit riders of their positive impact on the environment, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) are teaming up to reward people for saving 20 pounds of carbon emissions by riding public transportation on Earth Day.  Rail transit riders will receive chocolate bars outside two stations -- Capitol South and Union Station.

 “Riding public transportation is one of the most powerful weapons Americans have in combating global climate change,” said APTA President William W. Millar. “We encourage everyone to make a statement this Earth Day, April 22, and take public transportation.”

An individual switching to public transit can reduce his or her daily carbon emissions by 20 pounds; that’s more than 4,800 pounds in a year, a figure that is more than the combined carbon emissions reduction that comes from weathering your home and using energy efficient appliances and environmentally-friendly light bulbs.

If just one commuter of a household switches from driving to using public transportation, the household’s carbon footprint can be reduced by 10 percent.  If a household gives up its second car altogether, a household can reduce carbon emissions up to 30 percent.

In addition to receiving a well deserved sweet reward for reducing daily pounds of carbon dioxide, APTA and WMATA will also be reminding riders of their positive impact on the environment throughout the week with posters both in the Capitol South and Union Stations metorail stations.

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APTA is a nonprofit international association of more than 1,500 member organizations including public transportation systems; planning, design, construction and finance firms; product and service providers; academic institutions; and state associations and departments of transportation. APTA members serve the public interest by providing safe, efficient and economical public transportation services and products. APTA members serve more than 90 percent of persons using public transportation in the United States and Canada.

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