This post was contributed by VTA's Environmental Team.
Sustainability is an integral part of the operation and delivery of accessible, community-focused, and innovative transportation services. As we celebrate Earth Day, we recognize the importance of environmental sustainability and the need for collective action to respond to the climate crisis.
In that vein, VTA is working with several Bay Area transit agencies to exchange ideas and move the region toward a more sustainable future in the form of the Bay Area Transportation Sustainability Working Group.
The Working Group, comprised of Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA), California High-Speed Rail Authority, and San Mateo County Transit District (SMCTD), convened this week to share the sustainability actions and achievements of their respective agencies and discuss ways to support each other on the shared mission of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building resiliency.
VTA also participated in the Sustainable Tech for Environmental Minds (STEM) Conference hosted by the City of Santa Clara Youth Commission. This virtual event, held on April 17, brought together youth and environmental mentors to discuss the shared vision of protecting the environment for future generations through technological innovation.
There are many ways to celebrate Earth Day and reaffirm our commitment to sustainability. VTA invites you to get involved by:
· Going car free! Take VTA, ride a bike or scooter, skate or walk to your next destination.
· Learn about VTA’s Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Program to create livable, walkable, shoppable, and affordable communities near public transit, and provide input on proposed affordable housing opportunities at the Gilroy Transit Center and San Jose’s Branham Light Rail Station.
· Take the City of San Jose’s #Pledge2RecycleRight or a free online composting workshop to reduce waste. Check out this list of resources from the County of Santa Clara to make Earth Day every day.
VTA is committed to the long-term sustainability of Santa Clara Valley through its Sustainability Program. Read about our targets and commitments in the 2020 Sustainability Plan and follow our progress here.