January-February 2008

Mass Transit

May Be the Most Powerful Weapon Against Climate Change

The most powerful weapon you can use to combat global climate change may be a daily transit pass, according to a study released by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) on September 26.

The study, Public Transportation’s Contribution to U.S. Greenhouse Gas Reduction, was prepared by Science Applications International Corporation.

The research shows that when compared to other household actions that limit carbon dioxide (CO2 ), taking public transportation can be more than ten times more effective in reducing this harmful greenhouse gas. If one solo commuter of a household switches from daily driving to using public transportation he or she can reduce their household carbon footprint by 10 percent. If one household’s driver gives up that second car and switches to public transit, a household can reduce its carbon emissions up to 30 percent.

Should Be Part of a National Strategy

“Encouraging the use of, and expanding public transportation should be a part of our national strategy to address global climate change,” said U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair James L. Oberstar, D-MN. “The report provides further evidence that public transportation is one of the most important tools to minimize carbon output, help the environment and assist the nation in achieving a sustainable transportation system.”

“Congress has yet to have a serious, comprehensive debate about how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change,” said Subcommittee Chair Peter DeFazio, D-OR. “As the report shows, however, increasing use of public transportation will be central to the discussion about how to reduce emissions from the transportation sector.”

Taking Transit Has Greater Impact Than Other Actions

While it is very important to employ environmentally-friendly household activities, commuting by public transportation makes a more substantial impact. An individual switching to public transit can reduce their daily carbon emissions by 20 pounds; that’s more than 4,800 pounds in a year. This is far greater than the many actions people are being encouraged to take, for instance;
  • Home weatherizing and adjusting the thermostat for heating and cooling saves 2,847 pounds of carbon per year. Transit use saves almost twice the carbon.
  • Replacing five incandescent bulbs to lower wattage compact fluorescent lamps saves 445 pounds of CO2 per year. Transit use saves more than ten times the CO2 .
  • Replacing an older refrigerator freezer with a high efficient one saves 335 pounds of CO2 per year. Taking public transportation saves more than fourteen times the carbon.

The research points out that due to increases in vehicle miles traveled, the problem of pollution from vehicle emissions is accelerating. Greenhouse gas emissions from mobile sources have grown 27 percent from 1990 to 2004. Autos and light duty trucks represent about 61 percent of the total mobile source of greenhouse gas emissions. The report says single occupancy drivers switching their work commute to public transportation is one of the more effective ways to reduce the nation’s vehicle miles traveled while reducing harmful carbon dioxide.

  

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