Metro Transit celebrates Earth Day

Ride a wind-powered light-rail train or hop on a bus fueled with a 20 percent biodiesel blend. These are all options for those interested in focusing on the environment Tuesday as the world marks the 38th annual Earth Day.

Metro Transit’s lineup of environmental events and activities extend beyond Earth Day itself, said Brian Lamb, Metro Transit general manager.

Lamb said the agency is purchasing enough wind energy from Xcel’s Windsource program to power all Hiawatha light-rail trains by wind on Tuesday and again on May 3 and 4, to coincide with the annual Living Green Expo at the state fairgrounds.

“Light rail is a very environmentally friendly way to travel on any day,” he said. “The wind-driven train also helps focus on our agency-wide commitment to the environment.”

That commitment includes operating buses with a diesel fuel that contains a 20 percent soy mixture. The B20 fuel is powering buses based at four of Metro Transit’s five service garages. Buses at the fifth garage will convert to B20 when new fuel tanks are installed.

“Biodiesel decreases our dependence on foreign oil and also helps support Minnesota’s agricultural economy,” Lamb said.

In addition, Metro Transit currently operates 22 hybrid electric buses, a number that will increase to 172 over four years. Hybrid buses get 26 percent better fuel mileage and produce 90 percent fewer emissions than the buses that they will replace. Hybrid buses are used mostly on Nicollet Mall, creating a more welcoming downtown environment for pedestrians, shoppers and outdoor diners.