The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CapMetro) is implementing a Sustainability Vision Plan that will guide all operations, planning, design, construction and performance of its transit system.
The transit agency says it is committed to building and operating sustainable transit infrastructure that keeps communities connected, protects and restores natural systems and the environment and helps grow a vibrant local economy.
During its March board meeting, the CapMetro Board approved the Sustainability Vision Statement, which says, “Sustainability is central to the mission of CapMetro and is reflected as a core value. Sustainability is also built into our commitment to the region and community of Central Texas as a guiding principle of Project Connect. This Sustainability Vision Plan outlines the path to integrating sustainability.”
CapMetro will implement this plan in several different ways, including becoming carbon neutral by 2040, reducing 90 percent of waste to landfills by 2040 in compliance with the Austin Zero Waste Plan, sustainably managing water resources and enhancing the environment and natural systems through conservation and green infrastructure, using sustainable guidelines and rating systems to guide capital projects and leveraging all transit resources to enhance sustainability, connectivity, access to opportunities and creation of livable places.
CapMetro says it recognizes that transportation contributes a significant amount of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, and the agency is committed to applying best practices and complying with all environmental laws and regulations to reduce its carbon footprint as CapMetro expands transit options through Project Connect.
On Earth Day, the Federal Transit Administration recognized exemplary efforts of 10 transit agencies to combat climate change through its Sustainable Transit for a Healthy Planet initiative. CapMetro received the Champions of the Challenge award for developing plans that include achievable, ambitious strategies for reaching greenhouse gases emission reduction goals. CapMetro signed on to participate in the FTA’s Climate Challenge and receives help from the FTA to advance the agency’s goals with technical resources, targeted listening sessions and peer exchanges.
