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Posted: 10/15/2009

The San Antonio Water System has presented VIA Metropolitan Transit with an Environmental Excellence Award to recognize the agency’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact.

VIA was recognized at the 2009 Environmental Seminar held October 15, 2009 by the San Antonio Manufacturers Association and the San Antonio Water System. VIA was selected to receive the award based on the agency’s compliance with local and state environmental regulations as well as its efforts in the following areas:

Recycling – VIA recycles a variety of items, including waste oil and lubricants, batteries, antifreeze, paint solvents, office paper, cardboard, scrap metals, refrigerant, plastics, and glass.

Stormwater interceptors – San Pedro Creek flows through VIA’s property, and the agency has installed stormwater interceptors to prevent initial runoff from the bus yard from reaching the local watershed.

Alternative energy sources – VIA gets all of its electricity from CPS Energy’s Windtricity program. Solar panels power the lighting at new bus shelters. A solar-panel system also provides power for the Madla Transit Center.

Energy conservation – VIA has retrofitted its facilities with energy-efficient lighting, including motion-activated light switches.

Water recycling – New bus washing units for VIA will recycle wash water.

In addition to these efforts, VIA is constantly working to reduce air pollution by implementing new fuel and propulsion technologies that reduce emissions. VIA’s vehicles currently run on B5 biodiesel, an E10 ethanol/gasoline blend, or propane, and the agency is pursuing battery-electric buses for downtown circulator service.