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HomeSustainability on the T

Sustainability on the T

The MBTA is one of the busiest transit systems in the country, with more than 1 million daily riders. Providing public transit to the residents of Boston takes more cars off the road, reduces the city's carbon footprint, and supports a more sustainable future for all of us.

Read the 2017 Sustainability Report

Climate Change

Due to rising sea levels and stronger, more frequent weather events, we anticipate that climate change will have system-wide impacts.

We have taken the following steps to mitigate these risks:

  • A comprehensive analysis of the current system to understand which routes and stations are at the highest risk
  • A plan for tracking, managing, and updating at-risk infrastructure
  • A new vetting process for engineering and development decisions based on climate change adaptation criteria

Partnerships and Recognition

GreenDOT

In 2010, MassDOT launched the GreenDOT plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, establish reliable and safe transportation options for the Greater Boston area, and plan for future impacts of climate change.

APTA

In 2012, the acting General Manager of the MBTA, Jonathan R. Davis, signed the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Sustainability Commitment Pledge, which sets standards for environmental preservation, social responsibility, economic viability of the system, and overall quality of life for commuters.

2014 Leading by Example Award

The MBTA was recognized by the Massachusetts Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs for its outstanding effort to implement policies and programs that have decreased energy consumption per passenger trip by 12.9%.

Bond Buyer Recognition

The MBTA's first sustainability bond issuance was recognized as The Bond Buyer's 2017 Northeast Regional Deal of the Year and was a finalist for the National Deal of the Year. Proceeds from MBTA sustainability bonds are used to finance projects with clear environmental, social, and economic benefits.

Sustainability Programs

Energy Conservation

The MBTA has reduced its annual carbon footprint by 32,000 tons and is able to purchase at least 20% of its electricity from renewable sources.
Nature Conservation
The MBTA is committed to conserving our natural resources and reducing pollutants in our air, land, and water.
Waste Management

System-wide recycling and responsible waste management programs reduce the impact of running one of the country’s busiest public transit agencies.
MBTA Vehicle Efficiency

Our bus and train fleets consume less energy, rely on renewable resources, and are gentler on the environment than traditional transit fleets.
Sustainable Design

Whether we're building a new station or updating an older station for accessibility, the MBTA uses sustainable building practices and materials to preserve history and the surrounding environment.
Community Programs
The MBTA actively supports community recycling initiatives, Rails-to-Trails programs, and community farmers markets that are accessible and affordable.
Sustainability Bonds

The MBTA issued the first tax-exempt sustainability bond in the United States. The $370 million issue finances projects within our Capital Investment Plan with clear environmental, social, and economic benefits.