The Capital District Transportation Authority’s (CDTA) efforts to help create a “Greener” Capital Region will be on display for Earth Day 2016 with customers receiving complimentary Earth Day themed bus passes onboard buses, Friday, April 22, 2016.
“Environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient are two hallmarks of CDTA and today’s public transportation industry,” said CDTA Board Chairman David M. Stackrow. “Each year, 46.9% of U.S. public transit buses use alternative fuels or hybrid technology. We are a big part of that equation and focus on doing our part to make a greener footprint right here in our community.”
CDTA travel trainers and bus operators will be handing out specially marked day passes on Friday to random customers. The passes are good for a full day of rides during one 24 hour period and can be used at any time.
In November, Articulated buses were added to the fleet, allowing CDTA to meet increased customer demand in an efficient way with vehicles that have expanded capacity. Articulated buses hold up to 60 seated customers and 50 standees, providing the service of two buses but requiring only one operator.
CDTA operates 77 hybrid-electric buses across its four county service area, representing nearly 25% of the regular route fleet. These vehicles get at least 50% more mileage than regular diesel vehicles. The hybrid technology reduces emissions, helping keep single occupancy vehicles off the road and carry a 12-15 year life cycle.
The Authority’s bus washes may run blue but they add up to a whole 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.
Additionally, efficiency 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.
