The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) announced today that it is recognizing Big Blue Bus (BBB) with a Silver Status Award for its sustainability program at the APTA Sustainability Conference in Austin, Texas.
First started in 2009, 133 public transit agencies and businesses have signed on to the APTA Sustainability Commitment Program. Currently, 38 of these signatories have received recognition from APTA. The APTA Sustainability Program recognizes outstanding sustainability achievements which have met specific criteria through the APTA Sustainability Commitment program. Public transit agencies and businesses that voluntarily participate in the APTA Sustainability Commitment program commit to implementing processes and actions that create continuous improvements in environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Depending on the level of accomplishments, organizations are presented Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Level certifications.
Big Blue Bus has long been recognized as a national leader for its sustainability practices. Since the 1990’s, BBB has utilized alternative fuel buses to reduce its carbon footprint. BBB Director Ed King adds, “Big Blue Bus’ long-term commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship is demonstrated over decades of proactive choices in fuel and engine type, as well as continued greening of its facilities. BBB is honored to be recognized by APTA with this prestigious award for its sustainability program.”
Big Blue Bus operates a fleet of almost 200 vehicles transporting more than 61,000 passengers daily across a 51-square mile service area. Nationally recognized for its long-standing commitment to a cleaner environment, the entire fleet operates on alternative fuels, including renewable natural gas (RNG) a form of liquefied and compressed natural gas (LNG/CNG), which reduces emissions by over 90 percent. Serving Santa Monica and the Los Angeles area since 1928, Big Blue Bus has won numerous awards for its marketing and outreach, customer service, safety and efficiency.
Big Blue Bus, in its Sustainability Commitment Statement submitted to APTA’s Sustainability Program, identified 16 sustainability actions that it has completed to date, and committed to achieve six new short-term action items as well as four “stretch” items to be completed over the next few years.
