When we say we integrate sustainability into everything we do at Metro, that’s more than a tagline.
There are many reasons to better protect our land, wildlife, air quality and water — and better deal with the impacts of climate change. The big reason is this: we think it’s our job to make our system as clean and reliable as possible to improve everyone’s quality of life.
The following shows how Metro is dealing with four key environmental issues:
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction
These gases cause global warming that exacerbates already-challenging conditions for Californians. Think of the massive and devastating wildfires the past few years and the intentional power outages during hot weather to prevent power lines from sparking fires.
•Thanks to those taking Metro instead of driving, over two billion pounds of greenhouse gases didn’t enter our atmosphere in 2019.
•Metro continues to deploy more electric buses for the G (Orange) Line and plans to electrify on the J (Silver) Line next.. Metro has a strategy to roll out a completely zero emission bus fleet by 2030 – 10 years ahead of the state’s deadline.
•Metro has a new “green partnership” with Trillium, a firm that will provide roughly 20 million gallons of ultra-low carbon renewable natural gas (RNG) at two bus divisions while we pursue our zero emission bus effort.
•Metro is committed to becoming a zero emissions agency by 2050 — meaning all electricity we consume — whether to power trains or facilities — will come from renewable sources.
Urban Heat, Drought and Waste
Climate change is causing more frequent and longer heat waves in Southern California. Add that to an urban environment where many communities have more concrete than trees and you’ve got a very hot, and often dangerous, situation. Not to mention the higher cost of keeping homes and businesses cool and the impacts on our water supply, which can be limited during many years.
•Metro has partnered with the city of Los Angeles to install water fountains at highly-used train stations (such as North Hollywood) Hydration Stations and we’re aiming to increase the percentage of Metro Bus stops with shelters from 24 percent to 60 percent. . You can read our other climate adaptation plans in Moving Beyond Sustainability
•Metro is ensuring transportation projects like the Rail to River Active Transportation Project (Segment A) when built will filter runoff water before it enters local waterways. The project recently received a Safe Clean water Program Grant.
•From 2018 to 2019, Metro’s diversion from landfills increased about 13 percent. The agency’s goal is to achieve 50 percent landfill diversion by 2030. To launch that goal, Metro will launch a Sustainable Acquisition Program. We’re also working to help contractors reduce waste by 85 percent.
Beyond all these climate-friendly actions, we also have some events and promotions to honor Earth Month. Check them out below:
Electric Metro Bike: Thanks to Bosch eBike Systems, we’re waiving the $1 electric bike unlock fee on all Electric Metro Bikes from April 1 through April 30. Find out more here (https://bikeshare.metro.net/how-it-works/electric/)
Check out the Metro Shop to grab a reusable tote bag, a Bike Share helmet, or other reusable items to help reduce waste. Shop here (link https://shop.metro.net/)
April 20, noon to 1 p.m. – Community Conversations
Listening, Educating, Planting, Creating, Advocating: Actions for a Sustainable Community
Join us from 12-1pm for the next Community Conversations that will feature women leaders from Friends of the L.A. River, Las Fotos Project, and TreePeople to learn how they are empowering youth and local communities to advocate for their well-being and protect their local environment. Panelists include Liliana Griego, Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Engagement, Friends of the LA River, Lucia Torres, Executive Director, Las Fotos Project, and Ariel Lew Ai Le Whitson, Director of Education and Community Organizing, TreePeople. Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-conversations-friends-of-la-river-las-fotos-project-tickets-146980226815
April 28, 12 to 1 p.m. – Metro Conversations: Investing in People for a Sustainable Future
Join us from noon to 1 p.m. for Metro Conversations to learn how our Next Generation Workforce Programs invest in youth, veterans, educators and historically underserved communities while honoring social sustainability. Spanish interpretation will be available on Zoom. Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/metro-conversations-investing-in-people-for-a-sustainable-future-tickets-146973005215
Keynote speaker Cris Liban, Metro’s Chief Sustainability Officer (far left), will be followed by panelists (from left to right below) Maria G. Meleandez, Deputy Executive Officer of Metro’s Next Generation Workforce Programs, Tiyesha Watts, graduate of Metro’s Transportation Career Academy Program (TCAP), Paul Yoon, California Army National Guard and a Metro Assistant Admin Analyst, and Mirian Rubalcava, “Ms. Rubi,” Principal of Metropolitan High School.
Categories: Policy & Funding, Projects