more livable communities across Los Angeles County. For Metro to fulfill its mission – to provide a world-class transportation system that enhances the quality of life for all who live, work and play within LA County – the agency is cognizant of and accountable for the potentially harmful impacts of running that system and takes action to mitigate them wherever possible. For nearly two decades, Metro has instituted policies, plans, initiatives and reporting that have embedded sustainability, community resilience and equity into decision-making and operations. In 2020, the 10-year strategic sustainability plan, Moving Beyond Sustainability (MBS), was approved. This past January a five- year update was presented to
the Board of Directors. The update shows that 80% of Metro’s MBS targets have been achieved or are on track for achievement within the next five years. Sustainability at Metro extends beyond infrastructure and operations – it is also about improving health outcomes, expanding opportunity, and preparing the next generation to lead a more sustainable future. In 2023, Metro’s Board adopted regional vehicle miles traveled (VMT) reduction targets to align with California’s statewide climate
Making Communities More Livable By Elizabeth Smilor Executive Editor
goals, including achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. These include goals based on a VMT reduction scenario that would reduce VMT across Metro’s LA County Service Population by 12.3% (from a 2016 baseline). Reducing VMT is central to lowering emissions and improving air quality across LA County. As a major transportation provider, Metro plays a critical role in reducing reliance on single- occupancy vehicles while improving
Continue Metro, Page 10
A Metro bus travels along Pacific Coast Highway in Santa Monica.
A ngelenos who choose to ride public transit are helping to save our planet with every mile, every day, not just on Earth Day. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) , which serves the most populous county in the United States, is responsible for preventing over a million metric tons of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from entering the atmosphere and contributing to climate change. ”We serve nearly a million
of our planning and operations, investing in our workforce, and partnering across the region to deliver a transportation system that is not only cleaner, but more inclusive and more resilient.” Metro reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 68% since 2017, and is on track to achieve a 79% reduction by 2030. Metro also has cut nitrogen oxides by 92% and particulate matter by nearly 74% since 2018. Furthermore, across Metro’s facilities, water consumption
Above, the Metro J (Silver) Line is a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) connection between San Pedro and El Monte. At right, the Metro E Line (Expo) train heads toward Santa Monica from East Los Angeles.
riders each day, and with every ride on a Metro Bus or on Metro Rail there is a measurable, positive impact on our environment and climate,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “As Los Angeles prepares to host major events including the 2028 Summer Games, Metro is redefining what a world- class, climate-ready transit agency looks like. We’re embedding climate adaptation into every aspect
and energy use are down due to ongoing conservation efforts and the continued use of onsite renewable energy. Fifteen Metro buildings have achieved LEED certifications. Beyond climate benefits, these investments also improve public health. Cleaner air, especially in communities historically overburdened by pollution, helps reduce respiratory illnesses such as asthma, while expanded transit access supports more active lifestyles through walking and first- and last-mile connections. In this way, sustainability is not only about the environment, but about healthier,
“The challenges ahead are real – from fiscal pressures to the evolving climate – but they are matched by opportunity.” Stephanie Wiggins, Metro CEO
8 | Earthday 2025 8 | Earthday 2026
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