CapMetro has announced its commitment to using 100% renewable energy for all its transit facilities and electric buses. This initiative, part of a broader sustainability effort, sees CapMetro's administrative, maintenance, public facilities, electric buses, staff EVs, and MetroBike Ebikes now powered by Texas wind energy through Austin Energy’s GreenChoice program.
By joining GreenChoice, CapMetro aims to help achieve Austin’s goal of 100% carbon-free energy by 2035. The transit agency's move is expected to offset 7,189 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. Jackie Sargent, General Manager of Austin Energy, stated: “From electric buses to investing in renewable energy, we value our partnership with CapMetro.”
CapMetro's sustainable initiatives include the deployment of 12 electric buses currently operating on Austin streets. Over the next five years, it plans to add over 200 more electric buses to its fleet. The North Ops Electric Bus Depot opened in October 2020 and will eventually support about half of these vehicles.
Between 2016 and 2019, CapMetro reduced vehicle air pollution by over 52%, amounting to a reduction of 154 metric tons per year. This trend is expected to continue as the fleet transitions entirely to zero-emission buses.
CapMetro is also collaborating with the Austin Transportation Department and Bikeshare of Austin to expand MetroBike (formerly BCycle), integrating over 200 electric-assist bikes into the system. Future plans include adding more E-Bikes and improving services outside downtown.
Dottie Watkins, Chief Customer Officer at CapMetro said: “One of the main tenets of Project Connect is its plan for sustainable public transit... By launching MetroBike and subscribing to Austin Energy’s GreenChoice program, CapMetro is keeping its promise to work towards a cleaner environment for generations to come.”
CapMetro has received several sustainability awards including Gold Level Signatory from the American Public Transit Association’s Sustainability Commitment and Platinum Level membership in the Austin Green Business Leaders Program.
For further details on MetroBike or Austin Energy’s GreenChoice program visit their respective websites.