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

NEW WESTMINSTER, BC – 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 regional effort to take climate action.

Driving is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the region: by choosing transit, you’re taking one of the biggest steps to reduce your carbon footprint. In one year, TransLink customers collectively save 307,000 tonnes of GHGs by not driving a car. That is the equivalent of 59,734 homes’ electricity use for one year.

“Last year, nearly 320,000 people took Transit for the Planet on Earth Day,” says TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn. “We believe we can set a new record this year and really make a difference across the region.”

Residents can participate in the Transit for the Planet Challenge by taking the bus, SkyTrain, SeaBus, or West Coast Express on Earth Day. Customers are encouraged to share how they’re using transit on social media using the hashtag #Transit4ThePlanet.

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

• Helping other organizations in Metro Vancouver take action on climate change with programs like Transit-Friendly Employer and the brand new Commutifi Program.
• Through our Climate Action Strategy, we’ve committed to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and a 45 per cent GHG reduction by 2030 (from 2010 levels).
• We’ll have 155 battery-electric buses in service by 2025 and are shifting our compressed natural gas bus fleet to 100% renewable energy by 2024.
• Through Transport 2050, we’re supporting the region to reduce GHGs from small cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs 65 per cent by 2030 (from 2010 levels).
• As an organization, we’ve adopted a Sustainable Procurement Strategy to align our 3,200 suppliers who provide us with $1.3 billion worth of goods and services in support of our sustainability goals.
• 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.
• Announced today, TransLink has been recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers.

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.
• Driving is the largest source of GHGs in the region – responsible for 32% of emissions. Taking transit is one of the most effective ways to reduce GHGs.

More information:
Transit for the Planet
TransLink’s Climate Action Strategy
Sustainable Procurement Strategy
Transit-Friendly Employer
Commutifi Program

Media downloads:
Transit for the Planet photos and video

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