APTA recognizes sustainability at MARTA, Caltrain and SamTrans

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has recognized the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), Caltrain and the San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans) for sustainability efforts.

Each agency received the association's silver level recognition for "measurable sustainability achievements," APTA officials said in a press release.

MARTA, Caltrain and SamTrans "prove that sustainability is both good for the environment and good for business," said APTA President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Skoutelas.

For instance, MARTA has reduced water usage by 27 percent by improving train wash requirements and water treatment plant operations. In addition, the agency cut water usage by implementing stormwater management plans at each MARTA facility and installing bus washwater reclamation systems, according to APTA.

Meanwhile, Caltrain expanded its use of renewable energy by working with three Community Choice Energy programs and two municipal utilities, which will supply renewable power from solar, wind and small hydroelectric energy.

Caltrain expects to reduce its carbon footprint from electricity usage by about 20 percent.

For its part, SamTrans reduced its criteria air pollutant emissions by 31 percent per passenger miles traveled by adding 25 diesel-electric hybrid buses to its fleet in 2013.