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Posted: 7/23/2009

You may have already heard that VIA is now using CPS Energy's Windtricity for all of our power needs, and you might already know that we are actively looking to implement solar-power systems where feasible (the Move It! post on these topics is here). But these uses of renewable energy resources are just one part of our overall environmental efforts.

As an operator of a fleet of buses and vans, VIA's primary environmental efforts are focused on reducing vehicle emissions. All revenue vehicles are equipped with exhaust oxidation catalysts, and the maintenance department has performed retrofits of older buses to install reduced emissions engines. Recently VIA was also awarded a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency that will allow us to replace the engines in 59 more buses.

In addition to the upgrades of the diesel fleet, VIA uses propane in the downtown streetcars, and future bus rapid transit vehicles will use hybrid-electric technology. We are also looking into an all-electric vehicle for future use.

Besides efforts to reduce local air pollution, VIA also employs rigorous recycling efforts, focusing on waste oil and lubricants, batteries, antifreeze, paint solvents, office paper, cardboard, scrap metals, refrigerant, plastics, and glass.

Conservation is also a high priority. VIA has retrofitted buildings with energy efficient lighting, installed upgrades to the HVAC systems and windows, and reduced the energy requirements for the climate-control system of the maintenance garage. We are also planning to install a microbe-based water recycling facility.

With these efforts, VIA hopes to reduce its overall impact on the environment while still providing public transportation that is dependable, cost effective, and enticing to more riders.