Using Innovative Technology for Sustainable Transportation

It is no secret that adopting green practices is one of the foremost concerns influencing the public transportation industry today. Sustainability is an issue which affects every industry, and is not geographically specific. As an approach to living and working, it is becoming a mainstay in contemporary society, and is gaining greater importance as fuel costs continue to rise, and the economy struggles to stabilize.

The critical question transit organizations face is can we use technology to lessen our impact on the environment while still being able to realize efficiencies within our internal operations? The answer is found in efficient operations that optimize resources; truly sustainable practices stem from efficient operations. When the use of every asset is optimized, it leads to improved day-to-day operations, lessens the impact on the environment, and provides long-term savings.

Public transit provides an important foundation for supporting sustainability. The industry naturally promotes sustainable practices. According to a 2002 American Public Transportation Association (APTA) report, public transit produces 95 percent less carbon monoxide and about 50 percent as much carbon dioxide (CO2), per passenger mile, as personal vehicles. Studies have also shown that using public transit results in a 4.2 billion gallon reduction in gasoline consumption annually.

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"In Virginia, Blacksburg Transit (BT) completes 2.5 million passenger trips per year, and has increased passenger carrying productivity from 0.8 passengers to 2 passengers per hour. This translates into a 150% efficiency improvement."

"York Region Transit (YRT) in Ontario, Canada, estimates that decreasing their deadhead kilometers results in nearly 57 kg of reduced CO2 emissions, in one month of vehicle operation."

"With its fuel and pollution advantages, increased use of transit offers the most effective strategy available for reducing energy consumption and improving the environment without imposing new taxes, government mandates, or regulation on the economy or consumers."