Larry Hanley, International President of the Amalgamated Transit Union, issued the following statement to mark Earth Day.
“It’s Earth Day, and you might be asking yourself, What more can I do to help fight climate change?”
“You’ve recycled, installed energy saving light bulbs and low-flow water fixtures, turned down your thermostat, and attended climate marches. What else can you do?
“Well, you may have overlooked the most effective way to protect the earth and reduce global warming – taking the bus, subway or train instead of driving your car.
“Choosing public transit over driving a car saves 4.7 billion gallons of gasoline annually, and significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Public transit vehicles emit fewer pollutants than single-passenger automobiles. Buses, for example emit 80% less carbon monoxide than a car. Rail emits almost none.
“Public transit creates healthier communities as riders walk to and from bus stops, trains and helps combat the growing problem of traffic congestion plaguing cities across North America.
“Over 198,000 bus operators, mechanics, rail operators, maintenance and other transit employees – members of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), work every day in transit systems across North America to help reduce pollution. ATU will be out in full force at the Peoples Climate March in our nation’s capital on April 29.
“This Earth Day and why not every day take public transit rather than driving. It’s easily the most effective thing you can do to fight climate change and preserve America’s natural resources.”