FTA recognizes four transit agencies with climate challenge awards
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is recognizing four transit agencies – Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA), Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Everett Transit - for their work to reduce emissions and answering FTA’s Transit for a Healthy Planet initiative call that was created in June 2021. The challenge tasked agencies with the development of strategies to reduce emissions, such as converting fleets to electric buses, making facilities more energy efficient and generating power through renewable energy sources.
In 2022, FTA recognized 10 agencies during the first phase of the challenge, which took place from June 2021 to April 2022. The first phase saw 171 transit agencies sign on. The second phase saw an increase of 222 transit agencies participating in the FTA Climate Challenge.
“Transit agencies across the country are greening their fleets, hardening critical infrastructure and transitioning their workforces to reduce the disproportionate impacts of a warming climate on their communities,” said FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez.
MVTA, which serves a region around Minnesota’s Twin Cities, received the Most Transformative Plan Award for its 2023 Sustainability Plan. The plan provides a road map for expanding agency resources and capabilities to achieve carbon reduction goals throughout every aspect of the transit system, starting with a comprehensive public input and planning process. It highlights strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency as part of its commitment to a sustainable and equitable future for residents in the seven communities it serves.
“Minnesota Valley Transit Authority is taking a holistic approach to reducing its footprint, and I congratulate their award-winning efforts,” said Administrator Fernandez.
MTA, CTA and Everett Transit were recognized with Champions of the Challenge Awards, which is “bestowed on small, medium and large transit agencies that developed plans that include achievable, ambitious strategies for reaching their greenhouse gas emission reduction goals.”
“MTA’s plan prioritizes environmental justice, demonstrating their commitment to at-risk communities in New York City,” said Administrator Fernandez.
CTA was recognized for its Charging Forward: 2022 CTA Bus Electrification Planning Report. One of the first transit agencies to introduce electric buses in place of diesel-powered vehicles, CTA drafted a comprehensive report backed by data to inform the next steps to fully convert its 1,800-vehicle fleet to cleaner and greener electric buses. Among the plan’s goals is to deploy buses and upgrade bus facilities in ways that promote equity and environmental justice throughout the city.
"CTA’s focus on equity and environmental justice, present throughout a decade-long commitment to electrify its fleet and facilities, is commendable,” said Administrator Fernandez.
“I congratulate and thank Everett Transit for its ambitious electrification plan and their work to decrease carbon emissions in Washington,” Administrator Fernandez said.
FTA encourages transit agencies interested in advancing their sustainability and climate goals to sign up for phase 3 of the Sustainable Transit for a Healthy Planet initiative.
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
