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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 12, 2010

METRO CELEBRATES HYBRID BUS BIRTHDAY ON EARTH DAY
Hybrids reduced greenhouse gas emissions by about 190 tons

CINCINNATI –It’s an Earth Day birthday for Metro hybrid buses…

Metro strives to be the green choice in transportation for Cincinnati. Last year Metro proved its environmental commitment by putting six hybrid buses in motion on Earth Day.

In their first year, Metro’s hybrid buses have made a big difference to the environment:

• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 190 tons
• Provided about 330,000 clean, green rides
• Traveled almost 210,000 miles
• Saved almost 7,000 gallons of diesel fuel

“We are proud of the results that we have seen from the hybrids and the positive response we’ve received from the community,” said Marilyn Shazor, Metro’s CEO. “Cincinnati has welcomed the hybrids and recognizes the value in our green efforts.”

Go green, go Metro

Metro’s green commitment is also demonstrated with its five new articulated buses, which have been on the road since December, and carry 50 percent more people for about the same amount of fuel. Metro recently received LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for Metro’s first LEED-certified transit hub in partnership with the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Every day, Metro makes green decisions including:

• Washing buses with rainwater
• Burning waste oil to heat garages
• Recycling motor fluids such as antifreeze, refrigerant and power steering fluid

“Overall, Metro’s services significantly reduce car trips and fuel consumption in Greater Cincinnati. A commuter who rides Metro 20 miles round-trip will decrease annual carbon dioxide emissions by 2.4 tons per year,” said Shazor. “As a tax-supported transit system, we are focusing on being green and saving green at the same time.’”

Metro Earth Day activities

On April 17, Metro will exhibit with a bus and booth at Cincinnati’s Earth Day at Sawyer Point, presented by Greater Cincinnati Earth Coalition. Metro will also be part of two events to celebrate Earth Day at the Cincinnati Zoo. On April 22, Metro is hosting a booth with information about Metro’s services and green initiatives at the Zoo’s Tunes and Blooms “Go Green” Night. Metro will provide another booth at the Zoo’s continuing Earth Day celebration on April 24.

Metro is a non-profit, tax-funded public service of the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority, providing about 19 million rides per year. Metro supports the economy, protects the environment, encourages energy independence, and improves the quality of life in Greater Cincinnati.