Capital Metro (CapMetro) has wrapped a zero-emissions bus and three of its Pickup Vehicles in the artwork of local students. The wraps, unveiled on Earth Day, were created as part of CapMetro’s annual "Art on the Bus" competition.
A press release disclosed that this year's Art on the Bus event was organized in collaboration with Creative Action. It culminated in the selection of artwork by 26 students, which will adorn the vehicles until April 2025.
The press release further detailed that for the 2024 competition, students from Baty Elementary School (Del Valle ISD), Houston Elementary (Austin ISD), Jim Plain Elementary (Leander ISD), and ShadowGlen Elementary (Manor ISD) were invited to create pieces that depict their vision of themselves and their community a decade into the future, using recycled materials.
"This amazing program provides us the opportunity to partner with local schools to not only teach students about the power of the arts, but also what it means to be sustainable," said CapMetro President and CEO Dottie Watkins. "As a community, one of the best things we can do for a brighter future is educate our young people about the importance of caring for our planet, and how public transportation plays a significant role in that."
CapMetro has indeed made sustainability a core value. The public transportation agency has committed to becoming fully carbon neutral by 2040. To this end, it has purchased dozens of electric buses and is developing a 4-megawatt solar array to electrify its North Operations Bus Depot.
"CapMetro's dedication to expanding its fleet to be carbon-neutral is integral to fostering an environmentally conscious and sustainable future - one where the visions of these remarkable young artists can become a reality," stated Patrick Torres, Creative Action Executive Director.