Transit's Environmental Benefits

"The Washington Public Interest Research Group, a decidedly pro-transit consumer organization, has completed its first nationwide look at transit's environmental benefits, using 2006 information in federal data bases. And it's using its conclusions to help campaign for expanding light rail service beyond Seattle and Sea-Tac Airport."

"The verdict for the three-county area of Puget Sound: 24 million gallons of oil saved, gasoline cost reductions totaling $63 million and more than 154,000 metric tons of carbon-monoxide pollution eliminated because transit kept commuters from traveling to work in cars in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties."

"WashPIRG spokesman and organizer Blair Amundson said the organization based its report on information in the Federal Transit Administration national database and a 2007 urban mobility report published by the Texas Transportation Institute. The group also used an EPA report to calculate vehicle fuel consumption. Its report is based on public transportation systems; private bus services weren't included."