The Facts are Clear

The use of MTA Local and Commuter Bus, Metro Subway, Light Rail and MARC Train help reduce energy consumption and harmful CO2 grenhouse gas emissions that damage the environment. As ridership increases, the MTA is committed to making investments to expand public transportation services throughout Maryland that will support economic development while helping to preserve the environment.

Public Transportation...

• is estimated to reduce CO2 emissions by 37 million metric tons annually, equivalent to the electricity used by 4.9 million households. To achieve a similar reduction in carbon emissions, every household in New York City, Washington, DC, Atlanta, Denver and Los Angeles combined would have to completely stop using electricity.
  
  
• provides an immediate option individuals can take to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and conserve energy. In fact the most energy efficient households in America that produce the least amount of carbon are located within close proximity of a bus or rail line. Households near public transportation drive an average of 4,400 fewer miles annually compared to those with no access to public transportation.
  
  
• saves fuel, reduces an individual's carbon footprint, and reduces congestion. Households near public transportation travel 12 fewer miles per day, or 27% less, than households with no access to public transportation. This equates to an individual household reduction of 223 gallons of gasoline a year.
  
  
• use by a solo commuter switching his/her commute from a private vehicle can reduce CO2 emission by 20 pounds per day - more than 4,800 pounds in a year.
  
  
• use saves the U.S. the equivalent of 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline annually - more than 11 million gallons of gasoline per day.
  
  
• provides an affordable alternative to driving. Households that use public transportation can save up to $10,301 every year. (Based on Aug. 31, 2012 average national gas price of $3.91 per gallon as reported by AAA).
  
  
• ridership has increased 30% since 1995, with more than 10 billion trips taken annually.
  
  
• is a national priority that should be specifically targeted by climate change and energy legislation. We all have a stake in expanding public transportation use.