As a result of its significant achievements in sustainability initiatives, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has recognized Foothill Transit for reaching the Platinum Level, the highest recognition possible, in the APTA Sustainability Commitment Program. Including Foothill Transit, there are only five public transit systems in North America that have attained this top Platinum Level. Foothill Transit is the first bus-only public transit system to receive this status.
"I congratulate Foothill Transit on reaching the Platinum Level in our Sustainability Commitment Program," said Richard A. White, APTA acting president and CEO. "Reaching this level means that Foothill Transit has demonstrated tremendous leadership in developing and implementing significant sustainable processes that are good for business, good for the environment and good for the community. As the first bus-only public transit system to reach the Platinum Level, they are leading the way and serving as a model for the public transportation industry."
"Responsible stewardship of all the resources entrusted to us is an important value at Foothill Transit," said Doran Barnes, executive director at Foothill Transit and APTA chair. "It makes good business sense and exposes another facet of how we can positively impact the quality of life in our communities."
Below are some examples of the sustainable accomplishments that Foothill Transit achieved.
Platinum Level – Foothill Transit – West Covina, California
In a period of extreme drought in California, Foothill Transit cut its water consumption by almost 30 percent thanks in part to using recycled water for bus washing. This significant success in reducing water consumption helped alleviate depleted local and state water resources.
The agency is also pioneering the adoption of bus fleet electrification. It currently operates one of the largest electric fleets in the United States and is committed to have an all-electric bus fleet by 2030. Foothill Transit also debuted the first double-decker all-electric bus in the United States. It operates on the Silver Streak line and helps to increase passenger capacity on one of its most popular routes.
Foothill Transit is also committed to social sustainability and has led diversity training for staff, promoted accessibility by partnering with Guide Dogs for America to train service animals on public buses, and established a Class Pass student rider program to provide discounted transit passes to students.
Foothill Transit was a founding signatory of the APTA Sustainability Commitment in 2009 and received Gold Level recognition in 2015.
Public transit systems and businesses who voluntarily participate in the APTA Sustainability Commitment program pledge to implement processes and actions that create continuous improvements in environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Based on specific measurable achievements, public transit systems and businesses are given Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Level recognition. First started in 2009, 139 public transit agencies and businesses have signed on to the APTA Sustainability Commitment. Currently, 38 signatories have received recognition.
