World Environment Day
June 2, 2022
World Environment Day on June 5 is the biggest international day for the environment. Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and held annually since 1973, the event has grown to be the largest global platform for environmental outreach, with millions of people from across the world engaging to protect the planet.
Everyday, we can all make decisions [big and small] that will decrease our own carbon footprint and protect the planet for ourselves and those who come after us. For example, we can eat food that is local and seasonal, buying clothes second-hand, turn off the water while brushing our teeth or washing the dishes, and [of course] recycle, recycle, recycle.
Another choice we can make is to use public transportation when possible. Public transportation inherently benefits the environment because it reduces the number of people driving single occupancy vehicles. Here are the facts:
Public transportation saves fuel, reduces an individual’s carbon footprint, and reduces congestion.
Public transportation provides an immediate option individuals can take to reduce their energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Public transportation use by a solo commuter switching his/her commute from a private vehicle can reduce CO2 emissions by 20 pounds per day—more than 4,800 pounds in a year.
Public transportation use saves the U.S. the equivalent of 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline annually—more than 11 million gallons of gasoline per day.
Public transportation provides an affordable alternative to driving.
Public Transportation is a national priority that should be specifically targeted by climate change and energy legislation.
What is SEPTA doing? We already operate a fully-electrified multi-modal rail system and we have one of the largest "green" bus fleets in the nation. We're committed to transitioning away from diesel-powered buses. In fact, we're planning for a full transition to zero-emission buses (ZEBs) by the year 2040. Check out our zero-emission bus playbook for more information on this forward-looking strategy to benefit the communities of the Southeastern Pennsylvania region.
What else are we doing? We're making it easier for YOU to ride! Thanks to free transfers on transit, new fare options including three day passes and mobile ticketing, and new projects like Bus Revolution and Reimagining Regional Rail that are evaluating current service and making recommendations for improvement.
To read more about climate change and how it relates to public transportation, visit our climate change page HERE.
