TransLink encouraging whole region to get out of their cars and take transit on April 22

NEW WESTMINSTER, B.C. – TransLink is calling on Metro Vancouver residents to ditch their cars and take the Transit for the Planet Challenge on Friday, April 22 (Earth Day) as part of a collective initiative to reduce the region’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Choosing transit over a fossil-fuel burning vehicle is one of the most effective ways to combat climate change and reduce your environmental footprint. TransLink customers collectively save 1.3 million kgs of GHGs by choosing transit over driving a gasoline car each day.

Residents will be encouraged to take the Transit for the Planet Challenge pledge, share their commitment on social media with #Transit4thePlanet, and then join with co-workers and fellow commuters to travel the region on transit on Earth Day.

The annual Transit for the Planet Challenge is just one initiative within TransLink’s broader commitment to sustainability and active transportation:

• As part of the Climate Action Strategy, TransLink is committed to net zero emissions in its operations, fleet, and facilities by 2050.
• Over 400 new battery-electric buses will be in service by 2030 as TransLink works towards electrifying its entire bus fleet to accompany a fully electric SkyTrain and trolley bus system.
• TransLink has partnered with SCRAP-IT to offer a Compass Card rebate when drivers scrap their used fossil fuel vehicles. In exchange, customers choose either an eight-month adult 1-Zone or 14-month Concession Compass Card valued at $802. There have been 34 vehicle trade-ins through this initiative since October 2021.

For those who have switched to electric vehicles and need to combine driving with transit, TransLink offers 20 safe and convenient Park and Ride locations around Metro Vancouver which serve SkyTrain, West Coast Express, and major bus loops.

Customers can combine transit, walking and cycling by taking advantage of secure bike parkades, lockers and racks located at various transit hubs across the region.

Plan your transit route with TransLink’s Trip Planner or contact Customer Information at 604.953.3333 for more information.

Quick Facts:

• If every TransLink customer drove a gasoline car tomorrow, they’d produce enough CO2 to fill 295 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
• Every time you take SkyTrain, instead of driving a gasoline car, you prevent 2.3 kg of CO2 emissions, or about five bathtubs full of CO2, from going into our atmosphere.
• Your trip on a hybrid-diesel bus reduces GHGs by 56% compared to driving a gasoline car.
• Your trip on an electric-trolley bus or SkyTrain reduces GHGs by over 99% compared to driving a gasoline car.

Quotes:

Kevin Quinn, TransLink CEO –

“On-road transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) in Metro Vancouver, responsible for 35 per cent of regional emissions. We know that Metro Vancouver residents want to make a difference, and taking public transportation is one of the simplest ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Join us in taking the pledge to take the Transit for the Planet Challenge this Earth Day and leave your car at home.”

George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy –

"People in B.C. are making smart transportation choices to reduce carbon emissions. Earth Day puts into focus how important these choices are in contributing positively to the health of our planet and the places we call home. Public transit is a safe, affordable, and reliable way to get around, and is an important part of our CleanBC climate action plan to lower emissions and support a cleaner, more vibrant British Columbia.”

Bowinn Ma, Minister of State for Infrastructure –

“If we’re serious about driving down greenhouse gas emissions, we must address how we move people and goods around our communities. While our government continues to invest in public transit and other more socially and environmentally responsible modes of transportation, community members can participate in Transit for the Planet on Earth Day as a way to support the shift to a cleaner, better future for everyone.”

Diane Roberts, SCRAP-IT CEO –

“TransLink was our original partner when the SCRAP-IT program began in 1996. We are so happy to be working with them again to provide this valuable service to our customers. We are encouraging everyone to take the pledge this Earth Day and to choose transit. If you’ve been thinking of scrapping a fossil-fuel vehicle, now is the time to take advantage of these rebates.”

More information:
Transit for the Planet Campaign
SCRAP-IT rebate program
TransLink Climate Action Strategy

Media downloads:
Transit for the Planet Challenge

Media contact:
TransLink Media Relations
E: media@translink.ca