VTA proudly participates in the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Sustainable Transit for a Healthy Planet Climate Challenge, along with 240 transit agencies across the country. The Challenge encourages transit leaders to take bold actions and prioritize investments to help tackle the climate crisis. VTA is among one of three transit agencies selected in 2024 as a Champion of the Challenge. VTA was recognized by FTA for taking proactive efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and build climate resilience through climate action planning and stakeholder engagement.

VTA has a long history of implementing environmentally sustainable initiatives and projects. VTA’s Sustainability Program was first launched in 2008. Each year, the Program prepares a Sustainability Annual Report that summarizes its achievements and environmental performance towards reducing emissions and conserving resources like water and energy. During the Fiscal Year 2023 reporting period, VTA achieved a 44% reduction in GHG emissions, 93% reduction in air pollutant emissions, and 65% reduction in water use compared to the baseline year. To reduce consumption further, VTA is focusing efforts on transitioning its bus and paratransit fleet to zero-emission vehicles, installing vehicle charging equipment and infrastructure, and retrofitting aging facilities.

Additionally, VTA is implementing its Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) which was approved by VTA’s Board of Directors earlier this year. The community is invited to stay connected with VTA’s work on climate action, by following updates at vta.org/climateplan. Wondering what you can do to drive climate action? Since transportation is the leading source of GHG emissions that are causing climate change, taking alternative modes of transportation is an excellent way to make a difference locally and globally. Consider shifting your mode of travel from car to transit, walking, or biking.