The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) recently released a climate assessment examining the agency’s climate mandate, its achievements to date, and next steps.
The document also reviewed existing policies, regulations and programs; and shared recommendations to build a more sustainable MBTA. Since 2009, MBTA’s sustainability initiatives have contributed to a 44 percent reduction in the greenhouse gas emissions.
The agency’s Climate Policy and Planning team will implement the assessment. The team formed a year ago and has worked to advance multiple climate initiatives.
A $54 million plan will bring battery-electric train service to the Fairmount Commuter Rail Line by 2028. The service will be supported by $69 million in infrastructure funded separately.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded the MBTA $40 million to purchase battery-electric buses.
The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the MBTA $35 million to support safety upgrades and electric infrastructure investments for battery-electric bus facilities and bus maintenance facilities.
Over 10 years, MBTA invested $22 million in energy efficiency projects yielding $17 million in energy savings annually.
The agency will use $5 million in federal funding for a system-wide tunnel flood mitigation program, and issued a $20 million procurement to design and construct a tunnel flood portal near the Airport station.