The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) is leading the way when it comes to creating a greener Capital Region. The authority’s efforts will be on display for Earth Day 2015 with customers receiving free tree seedlings and bus passes at various Earth Day events and special bus stop drop-ins.
CDTA travel trainers and staff will be handing out tree seedlings and day passes at the larger transfer stations such as Latham Farms, Crossgates Mall and at various BusPlus stations throughout the day to riders who are showing their “greener side” in honor of Earth Day.
CDTA operates 77 hybrid-electric buses across its four county service area, translating to nearly 25 percent of the regular route fleet. These vehicles get at least 50 percent more mileage than regular diesel vehicles and CDTA has adopted a fleet maintenance plan that will see at least 20% of all new bus purchases be hybrids. The hybrid technology also contributes a positive impact on the environment by reducing emissions and keeping single occupancy vehicles off the road. CDTA operates these hybrid vehicles for a 12-15 year life cycle.
Articulated buses will be added to the fleet later this year, allowing CDTA to meet increased customer demand at a reduced operating cost. Articulated buses, which will be used on the region’s busiest corridors, have capacity for 75 seated customers and 100 standees, providing the service of two buses but requiring only one operator.
Additionally, CDTA’s bus washes may run blue but they add up to a lot of green. CDTA reduces water consumption, saving tens of thousands of gallons of portable water each year, through a reclamation system installed at bus washers in each of its three divisions. The system captures the majority of the water used to wash buses, reclaims it, filters the dirt and uses it for the next bus.
Efficient improvements like fully-automatic, high-speed garage doors in the Albany division, high efficiency electric motors, chillers, boilers, heaters, night setback thermostats, and solar electric panels round out CDTA’s robust “Green” efforts. Many projects were supported through partnerships along with National Grid and NYSERDA grants.
CDTA will continue its tradition by partnering with local agencies on Earth Day, highlighting the benefits of public transportation and promoting an enhanced Capital Region sustainable footprint.
