GOING GREEN - LUBBOCK CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
GET ON THE BUS and Ride Free January 25-30
The facts are clear Public transportation is reducing energy consumption and harmful carbon dioxide (CO2) greenhouse gas emissions that damage theenvironment. Traveling by public transportation uses less energy and produces less pollution than comparable travel in private vehicles. To make progress in reducing our dependence on foreign oil and impacting climate change, public transportation must be part of the solution.
The Private Vehicle is the largest contributor to a household’s
Carbon Footprint—Using Public Transportation
Reduces Household Carbon Emissions.
By reducing the growth in vehicle miles of travel,easing congestion and supporting more efficient land use
patterns, public transportation can reduce harmful CO2
emissions by 37 million metric tons annually. These savings
represent the beginning of public transportation’s potential
contribution to national efforts to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and promote energy conservation.
Public transportation use reduces congestion.
Public transportation serves some of the most congested
travel corridors and regions in the country. Increased use of
public transportation in these areas eases congestion; as a
result, automobiles traveling in these same corridors achieve
greater fuel efficiency.
Commuting by public transportation—one of the
most significant actions to reduce household
carbon emissions
By taking existing public transportation instead of driving a car, a
single person saves 4,800 pounds of CO2 per year. Source: Public
Transportation’s Contribution to U.S. Greenhouse Gas Reduction
Average Annual Household Savings from
Using Public Transportation
By taking public transportation instead of driving a car, a two-worker
household can save $6,251 annually. Source: Public Transportation and Petroleum Savings Report.
Public transportation is essential to
energy efficient land use patterns
Efficient land use produces results far beyond the immediate benefit of increased use of public transportation. It has the
potential to significantly change the way we live and travel,
reducing our individual carbon footprints while preserving
and enhancing our mobility.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Is estimated to reduce CO2 emissions by 37 million metric
tons annually.
saves fuel, reduces an individual’s carbon footprint, and
reduces congestion.
provides an immediate option individuals can take to reduce
their energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Use by a solo commuter switching his/her commute from a
private vehicle can reduce CO2 emissions by 20 pounds per
day—more than 4,800 pounds in a year.
Use saves the U.S. the equivalent of 4.2 billion gallons of
gasoline annually—more than 11 million gallons of gasoline per
day.
Provides an affordable alternative to driving. Households that
use public transportation save an average of $6,251 every year.
Ridership has increased 30% since 1995, with more than 10
billion trips taken annually.
Is a national priority that should be specifically targeted by
climate change and energy legislation. We all have a stake in
expanding public transportation use.
EERA nearly doubles transit user's benefits
