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Public transportation is one of the most effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fight against the impacts of climate change. With that in mind, the RTA has made environmental sustainability a key strategic objective and is committed to improving the sustainability of the region’s public transit system. To achieve this objective the RTA is engaged in numerous initiatives geared towards increasing transit’s role in reducing regional greenhouse gas emissions, including:
- Regional Green Transit Plan – The RTA is working with CTA, Metra, Pace, IDOT, CMAP, Chicago Department of Transportation and the Chicago Department of Environment to develop a sustainability and climate action plan for the region’s public transportation system. The plan will guide the region towards the development of a “greener” transit system that contributes to the region’s overall plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The RGTP aims to demonstrate transit’s value as a climate change mitigation and adaptation strategy, improve the energy efficiency of the system and position the region to obtain funding for the implementation of sustainable transportation solutions.
- APTA Sustainability Commitment – In April 2010, the RTA became a signatory of the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) Sustainability Commitment. This voluntary initiative commits the RTA to maintain sustainability as an organizational strategic objective and develop outreach programs on sustainability. The RTA will also measure on a regular basis its progress towards its goals of improved sustainability.
- Chicago Climate Action Plan – The RTA is working closely with the City of Chicago to achieve the goals of the Chicago Climate Action Plan, including increasing transit ridership by 30%. The RTA is an active member on multiple committees driving the implementation of the plan’s transportation strategies, including Bus Rapid Transit, Transit Signal Priority and Transit-Oriented Development.
- Transit Oriented Development – As one of the most effective climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies transit-oriented development (TOD) is a key focus of RTA’s efforts to reduce regional greenhouse gas emissions. The RTA is involved in multiple TOD planning efforts including funding studies through the Community Planning and Subregional Planning Programs and the Regional Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Working Group.
For more information on the RTA’s TOD efforts check out the Land Use / TOD Initiatives page.
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Green Transit Plan