More MTA = Less CO2

[East New York]

 

- The Metropolitan Transportation Authority's operations reduced the carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions of the region by 16.6 million metric tons in 2009 through congestion relief, mode shift and land use effects. At the same time, the MTA reduced its own carbon output by 2.5% per passenger mile traveled or 1% in aggregate over the prior year, according to an outside audit.

 

"The MTA's transit system makes New York sustainable, with a carbon footprint one-quarter of the national average," said MTA Chairman Jay H. Walder. "But our commitment to the environment goes even further, as we continue working to reduce our own emissions and improve the environmental performance of our entire operation."

 

Using a protocol established by The Climate Registry, the MTA meticulously quantifies its greenhouse gas emissions for all facilities, vehicles, and operations. The MTA released 2.29 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent through its operations, or 23,000 fewer metric tons than the prior year. Nearly 80% of the MTA's greenhouse gas emissions result from generating the electricity that powers subways and commuter trains, as well as burning fuel – largely compressed natural gas and ultra-low sulfur diesel – in buses and diesel commuter trains. Only 20% of the emissions come from "behind-the-scenes" operations, like maintenance facilities or offices. More details are available at our report, "More MTA = Less CO2" (pdf).

 

 

 

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