Metrolink Matters Metrolink joins organizations and communities across the world to observe Earth Day on April 22. Riding Metrolink, instead of driving, is an environmentally-friendly decision that removes almost 20,000 cars from area roadways EVERY DAY resulting in 110,000 less tons of emissions.
Over the past 40 years, Los Angeles has succeeded in improving its air quality in part by reducing harmful CO2 emissions. Through the implementation of air quality standards and the efforts its citizens have made, Southern California has become an example of how megacities can take positive action to create healthier and more livable cities. In 2015, a USC study showed that children are breathing better than they did in the early 90s thanks to the air quality improvements.
One of the most effective ways people can reduce their carbon footprint, and improve the environment, is by using public transportation. Since we began operations in 1992, approximately 225 million vehicle trips have been removed from the roadways. If those riders would’ve driven, the roads would be more congested and over 2.7 million tons of additional carbon monoxide would be added to the air.
In addition to the positive impact our riders have on the environment, Metrolink has made several operational changes to improve its own carbon footprint throughout the years. Between 2008 and 2010, the agency installed Automatic Engine Start/Stop technology on its locomotives to reduce idling. Additionally, in 2010, the agency installed ground power at its maintenance yards to further reduce idling and noise while equipment is being maintained.
Last year, we begin putting our first Tier 4 Locomotives into service. These locomotives reduce emissions by up to 85 percent which is the equivalent of 550 tons of emissions or removing 31,320 vehicles from the roadway every year when all 40 Tier 4 locomotives are in service.
Want to learn more? The Metrolink website will tell you everything about our role in creating a more sustainable future!
