CapMetro commits to 100 percent renewable energy for all transit facilities and electric buses

As of 2021, all of Capital Metro’s (CapMetro) facilities, including administrative, maintenance, electric buses, staff electric vehicles and MetroBike Ebikes are powered by 100 percent Texas wind energy through Austin Energy’s GreenChoice program.

By enrolling in GreenChoice, CapMetro says it is investing towards Austin’s community goal of 100 percent carbon free energy by 2035.

Through its agreement to purchase GreenChoice energy, CapMetro will reduce its carbon footprint and offset 7,189-metric tons of carbon dioxide. This program ensures that Austin Energy can supply wind energy to meet 100 percent of the transit agency’s electric energy needs. This commitment is one of the ways CapMetro and Austin Energy are working together to reduce emissions and meet the region’s climate goals.

Through powering its facilities and vehicles with renewable energy, CapMetro is furthering its commitment to support sustainable transit. The transit agency has already demonstrated this commitment by purchasing 12 electric buses, all of which are currently in use on Austin streets. Over the next five years, CapMetro plans to purchase more than 200 electric buses, continuing the transformation of its fleet to 100 percent all-electric vehicles. The North Ops Electric Bus Depot opened in October 2020 and will eventually have the capacity to charge about half of CapMetro’s electric buses.

By replacing its vehicles with the cleanest options available, the transit agency is reducing its impact on air quality. Between 2016 and 2019, CapMetro says it reduced its air pollution from vehicles by more than 52 percent, which translates to 154 fewer metric tons per year. This reduction trend will continue as the transit agency reduces its fleet with zero emissions buses.

“From electric buses to investing in renewable energy, we value our partnership with Capital Metro,” said Austin Energy General Manager Jackie Sargent. “Austin Energy is honored to work together to make the future of transportation more sustainable.”

CapMetro is also working with Austin Transportation Department and Bikeshare of Austin to reduce the region’s carbon footprint by expanding MetroBike (formerly BCycle), a program started in 2014. MetroBike has integrated more than 200 electric-assist bikes into its fleet. Future improvements will include more E-Bikes, stations and improved services outside the downtown core.

MetroBike is for people of all ages and abilities and provides more ways to connect with transit and optimizes the system’s first and last mile transit solutions.

“One of the main tenets of Project Connect is its plan for sustainable public transit,” said Dottie Watkins, CapMetro chief customer officer. “We are committed to the use of innovative technology to create a more efficient and sustainable transit system, and that technology doesn’t stop with our buses and trains. By launching MetroBike and subscribing to Austin Energy’s GreenChoice program, Capital Metro is keeping its promise to work towards a cleaner environment for generations to come.”

Sustainability awards received:

• CapMetro is a Gold Level Signatory of American Public Transit Association’s Sustainability Commitment, joining 22 other transit organizations at the highest level of this national sustainability program.
• CapMetro has achieved Gold Level Status in the League of American Bicyclists’ Bicycle Friendly Business program for its efforts to promote bike and transit commuting.
• CapMetro is a Platinum Level member of the Austin Green Business Leaders Program.
• CapMetro is recognized as a Best Workplace for Commuters by the National Center for Transit Research.
• CapMetro’s Saltillo development office building core and shell was awarded the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design’s Silver level certification in December 2020. The retail shops and residential units in the development received the Austin Energy Green Building Two Star rating.
• CapMetro also recently received a $600,000 TCEQ Alternative Fleet Fueling Program grant to add 10 additional electric bus charging stations.