Metro Transit's energy saving initiatives
December 2011
Go Greener campaign
In 2006 Metro Transit launched a “Go Greener” campaign to improve fuel efficiency and conserve energy in transit operations. A host of initiatives, like using ultra-low-sulfur fuel with a biodiesel blend, purchasing hybrid-electric buses, and reducing energy consumption at transit facilities, have led to energy savings and lower costs.
Conservation yields energy savings
A 2008 energy audit by Xcel Energy of Metro Transit’s five bus garages and bus maintenance facility led to new conservation strategies. In 2011, Metro Transit expected to save $1.7 million in utility costs and reduce CO₂ emissions by more than 6,000 tons over 2008 as a result of measures such as automated building controls, efficient lighting and high-speed insulated garage doors. By the end of 2012, these improvements are expected to have fully paid for themselves in utility savings.
Fuel-efficient hybrids & renewable clean energy
Fuel economy on the Metro Transit bus fleet has improved 9% since 2007, resulting in the use of 634,000 fewer gallons of diesel fuel and $2 million in savings. The savings is largely due to technological and operational improvements, including the deployment of more fuel-efficient hybrid-electric buses. Currently, 97 of Metro Transit’s buses are hybrids, about 11% of the fleet. They are deployed on the routes with the most frequent stops, including Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis.
Thanks to a $1.2 million federal grant, Metro Transit will take delivery of two next-generation hybrid buses in 2012. Metro Transit will continue to work with University of Minnesota researchers to study optimum deployments of these buses to further maximize fuel economy. All of Metro Transit’s buses run on ultra-low sulfur fuel with a 5% biodiesel blend. This renewable fuel is better for air quality and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Plus, the fuel is produced and made from products grown in Minnesota.
The Hiawatha Light Rail Line runs on electricity, with zero emissions from the train. Nearly one-fifth of the sources used to generate this electricity are renewable, including hydroelectric and wind power. On average, choosing the Hiawatha Line instead of driving alone reduces greenhouse gas emissions by more than 70% per mile.
The Northstar Commuter Rail Line carries 145 seated customers per passenger car, the highest capacity of all Metro Transit vehicles. On its most energy-efficient trips, Northstar has traveled with up to 10 cars and more than 2,500 customers onboard. On average, choosing Northstar instead of driving alone produces about half of the fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions per mile.