Earth Day: MTA, TriMet take steps to improve sustainability efforts
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in New York City and TriMet in Portland, Ore., announced a series of energy innovations on Earth Day, April 22, both transit providers said will reduce their respective carbon footprints.
MTA will pursue a solar power initiative through a Request for Proposals, which aims to develop solar power at seven MTA properties to generate an estimated 6.5 megawatts of electricity for thousands of New York households. MTA says it has identified more than 100 bus depots, train yards, repair shops and commuter lots across all MTA agencies – totaling more than 10 million square feet of industrial roof space – which would be suitable for solar development.
“Green energy always had a dual benefit – it can help save the planet and it can be a big money-maker as well,” said MTA Chief Development Officer Janno Lieber. “The MTA is already one of the nation’s leading forces in reducing carbon emissions. The recently approved Central Business District Tolling system will also reduce emissions and generate funds for the MTA and this common-sense, innovative new program will further help the environment while generating a significant amount of new revenue for the MTA.”
In other Earth Day news, TriMet said it would begin a four-month test of an emerging fuel known as "renewable" or "green" diesel, which is produced from living or recently living resources (think natural fats, greases and vegetable oils, such as canola and sunflower oils).
The test will begin in May on 180 buses based out of TriMet's Powell Operating Facility in East Portland. TriMet says that most of the nearly 700 buses in its fleet are equipped with Cummins engines, which have been certified 100 percent compatible with renewable diesel fuel. TriMet also mentions an independent assessment by Cummins found that when using renewable diesel, the release of particulate matter dropped by 30 to 90 percent.
“Everyone can breathe a little easier when the largest transit agency in the state of Oregon is studying innovations like these,” said Doug Kelsey, TriMet’s general manager. “We’re part of this community, and the state of the environment matters to us. We have and will continue to seek opportunities to maximize our performance while lowering our carbon footprint.”
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.
