There are many reasons to use public transit instead of personal vehicles, ranging from reducing emissions and saving gas to generating economic development.  Public transportation in the United States is a crucial part of the solution to the nation’s economic, energy, and environmental challenges — helping to bring a better quality of life. In increasing numbers, people are using public transportation and local communities are expanding public transit services. Every segment of American society — individuals, families, communities, and businesses — benefits from public transportation.

Biodiesel

Effective April 1, 2008, all Greenlink vehicles will be powered by biodiesel fuel. Biodiesel is a fuel made from vegetable oil that runs in any unmodified diesel engine. Biodiesel can be made from any vegetable oil including oils pressed straight from the seed (virgin oils) such as soy, sunflower, canola, coconut and hemp. Biodiesel can also be made from recycled cooking oils from fast food restaurants.

Biodiesel cuts down on targeted emissions. Biodiesel used in a 20 percent blend with petroleum diesel and a catalytic converter will cut air pollution. Particulate matter is reduced 31 percent, carbon monoxide by 21 percent and total hydrocarbons by 47 percent. Biodiesel used in a blend will also reduce sulfur emissions and aromatics.  Using 100% biodiesel further reduces emissions and carcinogenic compounds.

Bike and Ride

Greenlink wants to encourage commuting. And now every Greenlink bus is equipped with bike racks, to make commuting easier for bike riders. Here’s the bottom line: every day you leave your car in the garage, we all breathe a little easier! Learn how to use these racks by watching a short instructional video. Watch Now

Why Public Transit?

Public Transportation Enhances Personal Opportunities

• Public transportation provides personal mobility and freedom for people from every walk of life.
• Access to public transportation gives people transportation options to get to work, go to school, visit friends, or go to a doctor’s office.
• Public transportation provides access to job opportunities for millions of Americans.

Public Transportation Saves Fuel, Reduces Congestion

• Access to bus and rail lines reduces driving by 4,400 miles per household annually.
• Americans living in areas served by public transportation save 646 million hours in travel time and 398 million gallons of fuel annually in congestion reduction alone. 
• Without public transportation, congestion costs would have been an additional $13.7 billion.

Public Transportation Provides Economic Opportunities

• Every dollar communities invest in public transportation generates approximately $6 in economic returns.
• Every $10 million in capital investment in public transportation yields $30 million in increased business sales. 
• Every $10 million in operating investment yields $32 million in increased business sales.

Public Transportation Saves Money

• The average household spends 18 cents of every dollar on transportation, and 94% of this goes to buying, maintaining, and operating cars, the largest expenditure after housing. 
• Public transportation provides an affordable, and for many, necessary, alternative to driving. 
• Households that are likely to use public transportation on a given day save over $8,400 every year.

Public Transportation Reduces Gasoline Consumption

• Public transportation’s overall effects save the United States 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline annually:– more than 3 times the amount of gasoline imported from Kuwait.
• Households near public transit drive an average of 4,400 fewer miles than households with no access to public transit. This equates to an individual household reduction of 223 gallons per year. 
• Households that use public transportation and live with one less car can save on average $9,000 every year.

Public Transportation Reduces Carbon Footprint

• Communities that invest in public transit reduce the nation’s carbon emissions by 37 million metric tons annually – equivalent to New York City; Washington, DC; Atlanta; Denver; and Los Angeles combined stopping using electricity.
• One person switching to public transit can reduce daily carbon emissions by 20 pounds, or more than 4,800 pounds in a year.
• A single commuter switching his or her commute to public transportation can reduce a household’s carbon emissions by 10% and up to 30% if he or she eliminates a second car. When compared to other household actions that limit CO2, taking public transportation can be 10 times greater in reducing this harmful greenhouse gas.

View a Reasons to Ride Fact Sheet

 Information compiled from the American Public Transportation Association