Wave Transit’s Breathe Easy Initiative

 

Public transportation is a key component in the sustainability efforts in the United States. Transit helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing a low emissions alternative to driving, facilitating compact development, and minimizing the carbon footprint of its operations.  For example, a typical commute of twenty miles round trip by a single commuter is equal to 1/40th passengers per mile. Wave Transit currently transports over one passenger per mile.

While public transportation in itself benefits the environment, Wave Transit is also implementing initiatives aimed at reducing emissions and our dependence on foreign oil with many projects. The sustainability efforts of the Authority were brought under a single umbrella in 2010 as our Breathe Easy…initiative. The Breathe Easy…program demonstrates Wave Transit’s commitment to our responsibility to limit emissions, minimize our carbon footprint, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and educate the community about the benefits of transit while continuing to be responsible stewards of the taxpayer investment in public transportation.

Some of the Breathe Easy… initiatives are simple. Things like recycling, minimizing the amount of documents printed (a real challenge for a governmental entity), using recycled paper and green printing practices for maps and documents, reducing vehicle idling, and encouraging the use of transit are simple. Although these little things may require sacrifice, the board and staff are committed to ensure that we practice what we preach.

Some of the Breathe Easy… initiatives are more complex. The following are examples of Wave Transit’s leadership in implementing and promoting sustainably.

90%-95% of water from washing our vehicles will be recaptured and recycled.
This saves money and helps protect the environment.

Compressed natural gas produces fewer undesirable gases than the fuels mentioned above. It is safer than other fuels, because natural gas is lighter than air and disperses quickly when released.

Green Vehicles & Facilities

Good News! 100% of Wave Transit’s fixed-route fleet will run on compressed natural gas (CNG) by the end of 2024!
Press Release: Wave Transit Awarded Nearly $3million for Smaller, Greener Buses

Shaping the Next Generation

 

As part of our commitment to ensuring that future generations understand the importance of sustainability, Wave Transit provides educations resources to demonstrate firsthand our environmental protection programs. Students are encouraged to visit Forden Station to learn the environmental benefits of public transportation. Displays detail information about the sustainable improvements at Forden Station as well as the benefits of hybrid buses. Students are also given age appropriate materials to take home about the Authority’s message on sustainability. If you are interested in this Breathe Easy…initiative, please call (910) 343-0106 for details. There is no cost for this service.