Earth Day 2008

1. Earth Day 2008 Ann Arbor Transportation Authority

2. Question: What is the connection between public transportation and climate change? • Answer: Public Transportation is part of the solution to helping reduce greenhouse gases. Public Transportation is a key element of global sustainability.

3. FACTS: • Public Transportation reduces our country’s carbon footprint by 37 million metric tons—the equivalent of 4.9 million households using electricity in a year. • A single person, who switches a 20-mile commute to public transportation, can reduce their annual CO2 emissions by 4,800 pounds per year.

4. AATA’s Commitment to Reducing its Environmental Impact: • It’s a business philosophy, not a fad. • Mission: It is the mission of the AATA to use traditional and innovative means to provide safe, reliable, cost effective, and environmentally responsible public transportation services and mobility options to enhance the quality of life, economic growth, and overall vitality of the Greater Ann Arbor area.

5. AATA’s Commitment to Reducing its Environmental Impact: • It’s a business philosophy, not a fad. • Vision: AATA will provide frequent, reliable, safe and convenient transportation services that will help reduce the amount of valuable resources used to support private automobile infrastructures. Its services will enhance the quality of life and the economy of the Greater Ann Arbor Community while improving air quality, decreasing traffic congestion, and reducing dependence on foreign energy sources.

6. AATA’s Investment in Reducing its Environmental Impact: • It’s a business philosophy, not a fad. • Vehicles • Facilities • Office Supplies • Customer Information

7. AATA’s Investment in Reducing its Environmental Impact: • It’s a business philosophy, not a fad. • 20 Hybrid Electric Buses, plans to replace entire fleet • Reduces fuel consumption by 30% • Reduces particulate matter, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon by up to 90% • Reduces carbon dioxide and nitrogen by up to 50% • Use mixture of Ultra-Low Sulfur & 10% Bio-Diesel Fuel • Fleet vehicles being replaced with hybrid-electric

9. AATA’s Investment in Reducing its Environmental Impact: • It’s a business philosophy, not a fad. • Facilities/Buildings • Main office was built to bring in maximum natural lighting • HVAC is climate controlled during off hours • Testing solar lighting for bus shelters • New or renovated buildings to include energy efficient elements • Plans for environmental assessment of all facilities in coming year

10. AATA’s Investment in Reducing its Environmental Impact: • It’s a business philosophy, not a fad. • Office/Maintenance Recycling • Print all internal documents using two sided printing • Recycle paper, corrugated cardboard, bottles, cans • Donate or recycle old computers and computer equipment • Reuse water used to for washing buses • Recycle oil filters

11. AATA’s Investment in Reducing its Environmental Impact: • It’s a business philosophy, not a fad. • Customer Information • Direct customers to web site to get route & schedule information. • Have not had to increase quantity of printed material even though we’ve seen a 30% increase in ridership. • Planning next Ride Guide to be printed on FSC paper. • Choose recycled paper for customer printed material.

12. Public Transportation • Is estimated to reduce CO2 emissions by 37 million metric tons. • Saves fuel, reduces an individual’s carbon footprint, and reduces congestion. • Reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gases. • One of the most significant actions to reduce household carbon emissions.

13. Ann Arbor Transportation Authority 2700 S. Industrial Highway Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103 Mary K. Stasiak 734-677-3901 mstasiak@theride.org