APTA Recognizes Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority for Their Sustainability Accomplishments

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has recognized Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) for its outstanding achievements in sustainability. As a result of its sustainable initiatives, RTA is one of five public transit systems in North America that are currently at the Silver Level status in APTA's Sustainability Commitment program.

"I congratulate the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority on its leadership in developing and implementing significant sustainable processes that are good for business, good for the environment and good for the community," said Richard A. White, APTA acting president and CEO. "RTA is leading the way and serving as a model for the public transportation industry."

"We're proud to receive this significant honor," said RTA CEO and General Manager Joe Calabrese. "Our commitment to sustainability is evident in the many ways our employees serve the community with a focus on meeting or exceeding our environmental, societal, and financial objectives.

"The staff has made the program a success because we have integrated sustainability efforts into our Strategic Plan. We will continue to maintain sound fiscal management, and advance our safety and security initiatives – all while reducing the use of and dependence upon natural resources," continued Calabrese. "It's always a win-win when we are focused on enhancing the quality of life."

Below are some examples of the sustainable accomplishments that RTA achieved.

Silver Level – Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) – Cleveland, Ohio

RTA achieved an impressive 5 percent reduction in its water consumption through the implementation of a utility tracking program to quickly address leaks or other system inefficiencies. As part of its combined plan to reduce passenger rail emissions by 10 percent and bus emissions by 15 percent, RTA reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 24 percent, due to its investments in alternatively fueled vehicles.

Dedicated to performance excellence, the agency also participates in the Global Reporting Initiative to report on their sustainability programs and disclose their work according to a set of international standards. As part of this, RTA utilized a materiality assessment to inform the agency's sustainability planning and implementation programs. This assessment helped the agency prioritize initiatives that address the issues most vital to the agency's success.

RTA was a founding signatory of the APTA Sustainability Commitment in 2009 and received Bronze Level recognition in 2012.