We’re part of the solution to cleaner air…and YOU can be part of the solution, too!.png)
BFT has partnered with the Washington State Department of Ecology under a grant program designed to help reduce ground-level ozone concentration by promoting increased rideshare use in our community. Rideshare is more than meets the eye, and can include modes such as vanpool, carpool, biking, walking, public transit, and even telecommuting.
The Tri-Cities is situated against the Horse Heaven Hills which, coupled with hot prevailing summer winds and exhaust from vehicles, concentrates ground-level ozone over the community. Should the concentration reach non-attainment levels per EPA National Ambient Air Quality Standards, the Tri-Cities will face an economic burden in order to return to compliance, not to mention its impacts to environmental and individual health.
WANT TO LEARN MORE + PARTICIPATE?
- VISIT Washington State Department of Ecology to learn more about this issue in our area
Ben Franklin Transit's Ridersharing Options can save you time, stress, and money, and are better for the environment! Have you considered riding the bus, walking, telecommuting, or joining a carpool or vanpool?
For more information on how Ben Franklin Transit is working together with the Washington State Department of Ecology, what we are doing to help the environment, and how you can help us, click HERE.
Why is preventing ground level ozone so important?
How using Public Transportation benefits our environment in a BIG WAY!
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and CO2 with public transit
Approximately 85 percent of greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector are related to the surface transportation system.
Public transportation use is one of the most effective actions individuals can take to conserve energy. Riding public transportation far exceeds the benefits of other energy-saving household activities, such as using energy-efficient light bulbs, adjusting thermostats, or using energy-efficient appliances.
A single person who switches from a 20-mile commuting alone by car to existing public transportation, can reduce their annual CO2 emissions by 20 pounds per day, or more than 48,000 pounds in a year. That is equal to 10% reduction in all greenhouse gases produced by a typical two-adult, two-car household.
By eliminating one car and taking public transportation instead of driving, a saving of 30% of carbon dioxide emissions can be realized.
U.S. public transportation saves 37 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, equivalent to the emissions resulting from the electricity generated for the use of 4.9 million households or every household in Washington DC; New York City; Atlanta; Denver; and Los Angeles combined.
Reducing fuel dependency
- Public transportation use saves the U.S. the equivalent of 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline annually — and more than 11 million gallons of gasoline per day.
- Public transportation use saves the equivalent of 300,000 fewer automobile fill- ups every day.
- Public transit use saves the equivalent of 300,000 fewer automobile fill-ups every day.
Reducing congestion
- Public transportation has a proven record of reducing congestion.
- The latest research shows that in 2011, U.S. public transportation use saved 865 million hours in travel time.
- Without public transportation, congestion costs in 2011 would have risen by nearly $21 billion from $121 billion to $142 billion in 498 urban areas.
