Metro is celebrating one of its greenest years yet and it’s planning to get greener.
The 70,000 individuals who ride Metro instead of driving each day help reduce carbon emissions by more than 4,800 pounds each year.
In 2012, Metro added 45 new mini-hybrid buses to the 27 hybrid buses in its 346-vehicle fleet. These new buses use thermal cooling technology to provide improved fuel economy and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Metro is planning to add 33 additional new mini-hybrids in 2013.
Last year, the Greater Cincinnati Earth Coalition selected Metro to receive the Cincinnati Earth Day Celebration’s 2012 Environmental Award. Metro was chosen for the award based on its environmental-friendly business practices, including its use of hybrid buses.
Starting in 2012, Metro partnered with the city of Cincinnati’s Office of Environmental Quality (OEQ) and Hamilton County Recycling and Solid Waste District with a Recycle and Ride program to reward residents with free Metro passes when they make the green choice of actively recycling.
Metro is a member of the local Green Umbrella organization working to improve the economic vitality and quality of life in the region around Cincinnati by maximizing the collective impact of individuals and organizations dedicated to environmental sustainability.
Throughout the year, Metro’s maintenance team provides hybrid technology informational sessions to area high school Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) students about how hybrids work.
“Metro is proud to offer Greater Cincinnati residents a green way to get to work, school and play,” said Metro’s CEO Terry Garcia Crews. “Metro continues to be the environmentally responsible way to travel in Cincinnati.”
