Alternative Fuel & Green Energy
Public transit's traveled a long way since the days when diesel-powered buses and paper schedules were the norm. Today, Ohio's urban and rural transit systems have become national leaders in the development and deployment of vehicles powered by alternative fuels and the use of technology to make riding easier and operations more cost-efficient.
OPTA members are leader in the use of alternative fuels and transit technology
TRANSIT INNOVATION | FAST FACTS
41.3 percent of U.S. public transportation buses were using alternative fuels or hybrid technology as of January 1, 2014 compared to 2.1 percent of automobiles.
Every year, 37 million metric tons of carbon emissions and 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline are saved due to use of public transportation in the U.S.
Ohio's transit systems are nationally-recognized leaders in the use of alternative fuels.
Only one thing comes out of the tailpipes of SARTA's hydrogen fuel cell-powered buses: drinkable water.
Cleveland RTA employs 21 hybrid electric-powered vehicles on its world-renowned HealthLine BRT.
Cincinnati Metro has 142 hybrid electric-powered vehicles in its fleet.
SPOT PARTA, SARTA Pinpoint, TARTA Tracker, Cincinnati EZ Ride, whether uniquely branded or not, most urban transit systems in the state now offer GPS-powered rider tools.
OPTA members' commitment to innovation is paying off in big ways: GPS-powered tools that give passengers more control over their trips are helping to increase ridership, the same type of technology is vastly improving operations and helping us deliver the biggest possible bang for the bucks we have to work with, and our embrace of alternative fuels helps reduce America's dependence on foreign oil, protects our environment, and drives business development and job growth for the many Ohio companies that will supply the nation and the world with the energy sources of the future.
A change in state tax law will erase millions of dollars in funding for transit and could result in service cuts, fare increases, and other negative impacts. OPTA's working hard to find a solution. Click here to for the latest news about this critical issue and to join in our effort to solve this fiscal dilemma.
Every dollar invested in public transit generates four dollars in activity in the general economy. That means the $900,000,000 spent on transit in Ohio generates $3.6 billion in sales of goods and services ranging from steel to tires to software--and it could be billions more if we fully fund our transit agencies.
The Trump Administration's recently released budget blueprint calls for drastic cuts in transit funding. Learn more, then contact your legislator and urge them to invest in America's future by supporting public transportation.
Experts agree: the demand for transit will explode in the years ahead. Are we prepared to make the investments needed to keep up and keep our state and nation growing? View blueprints for the future then make your voice heard in Columbus and Washington.
Hundreds of thousands of Ohioans utilize public transit every day, including veterans, seniors, people with disabilities, commuters and students. Check out the many ways transit improves the quality of life in our biggest cities, small towns, and rural communities.
Transit's commitment to the use of alternative fuels and green energy is driving research and development, business growth, and job creation in a wide array of industries that will power the economy in the 21st Century.