Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 18, 2008
METRO TRANSIT HELPS CUSTOMERS MARK EARTH DAY
MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – (April 18) – Ride a wind-powered light-rail train, hop on a bus fueled with a 20 percent biodiesel blend, sign up for the Commuter Challenge or check out how much transit riders are saving in carbon dioxide emissions.
These are all options for those interested in focusing on the environment Tuesday as the world marks the 38th annual Earth Day.
Metro Transit's line up of environmental events and activities extend beyond Earth Day itself, said Brian Lamb, Metro Transit general manager.
Lamb said the agency is purchasing enough wind energy from Xcel's Windsource program to power all Hiawatha light-rail trains by wind on Tuesday and again on May 3 and 4, to coincide with the annual Living Green Expo at the state fairgrounds.
"Light rail is a very environmentally friendly way to travel on any day," he said. "The wind-driven train also helps focus on our agency-wide commitment to the environment."
That commitment includes operating buses with a diesel fuel that contains a 20 percent soy mixture. The B20 fuel is powering buses based at four of Metro Transit's five service garages. Buses at the fifth garage will convert to B20 when new fuel tanks are installed.
"Biodiesel decreases our dependence on foreign oil and also helps support Minnesota's agricultural economy," Lamb said.
In addition, Metro Transit currently operates 22 hybrid electric buses, a number that will increase to 172 over four years. Hybrid buses get 26 percent better fuel mileage and produce 90 percent fewer emissions than the buses that they will replace. Hybrid buses are used mostly on Nicollet Mall, creating a more welcoming downtown environment for pedestrians, shoppers and outdoor diners.
To kick-off environmental activities, Metro Transit is offering free Go Greener transit passes to those headed to Sunday's Wishes for the Sky public art event to celebrate Earth Day. Go Greener free ride passes, which can be used between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to attend the event on Harriet Island in St. Paul, can be downloaded at wishesforthesky.org.
"Everyone can get involved in Earth Day by taking part in the Commuter Challenge," Lamb said.
Those who take the challenge on Metro Transit's website and pledge to try an alternative to driving alone at least once by the end of June are eligible for prizes, including a lap-top computer, I-Pods, bicycles and gift certificates.
"Last year, more than 12,000 people took the challenge, and 88 percent are still using alternative transportation for at least some of their commuting," he said.
Lamb said beginning on Earth Day, the agency's website – metrotransit.org – will feature a real-time calculation of how much carbon dioxide emissions transit customers have saved so far this year by riding buses and trains instead of driving alone in cars. The rate of savings increases during weekday rush hours when transit ridership is highest.
"This is a compelling visualization of the very positive impact transit customers collectively have on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in our region," Lamb said.
Metro Transit is a service of the Metropolitan Council. Customers boarded its buses and trains 77 million times in 2007, the highest annual ridership in 25 years.
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(Editors: For information call Bob Gibbons, director of customer services, 612-349-7509 or via e-mail at robert.gibbons@metc.state.mn.us)
