On Earth Day, we are highlighting public transportation as one of the best ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support climate equity goals. 

Public transportation is a key player in the fight against climate change. Taking public transportation produces less CO2 and requires less energy per traveler compared with single occupancy vehicles.

Besides biking or walking, public transit is the most efficient way to commute. Although electric and hybrid vehicles are important for the move away from greenhouse gases, they’re not affordable to the majority of people yet and aren’t nearly as efficient as a full bus. Look at the comparison:

• Full NFTA Bus: 304 mpg per rider
• Tesla S: 120 mpg per driver
• Toyota Prius: 57 mpg per driver
• Toyota Rav4: 27 mpg per driver (most common car in America)

Having a full bus means the fuel used per person stays low. This means that the impact the bus has on the environment would decrease with more riders. Each trip someone decides to take on a bus is one that isn’t taken in a personal vehicle.

Single Occupancy Vehicle trips account for 55% of household emissions. Household emissions are the CO2 that is produced from heating and lighting your home, as well as the trips you make to and from your home.

Replacing a personal vehicle with transit for the average work commute saves almost 5000 pounds of CO2 per year and is the most impactful action you can take to reduce your household emissions. See the comparison!

Taking any of NFTA’s buses will help decrease your transportation footprint, but do you know our greenest routes?

• 19-Bailey
• 3-Grant
• 4-Broadway
• 22-Porter-Best
• 23 Fillmore-Hertel

These routes are our most efficient routes because they have the most riders per revenue hour.

While taking transit can save on the amount of carbon you produce, it can also save your wallet. Check out the real cost of owning a vehicle. 

Total Cost: $12,182 per year (Just to own it!)

Total Cost Using an NFTA Monthly Pass: $900 per year

Earth Day presents an excellent opportunity for people to leave their cars in the driveway and try a different way to commute for a day!