Green Thumb Up: Metro Greenifies Transit Construction Projects
As the L.A. County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA or Metro) ramps up for phase two of the Expo Light Rail Line, the Crenshaw/LAX Light Rail and an extension of the Gold Line to Azusa, eco-friendly considerations trigger a major green initiative.
The MTA board unanimously approved a Green Construction Policy today to greenify transit construction projects.
Under the new policy, the MTA and its contractors are required to use construction vehicles equipped with diesel emissions reduction technology. Operators must also turn off construction-related tractors and trucks if idling for over five minutes, reports CBS LA.
Past studies have given big transit projects a big green thumb down, claiming that they create more air pollution during their construction than they eliminate once service commences.
The policy is not retroactive and applies to future contracts. MTA hopes this project serves as a catalyst for other industry divisions.
“To the extent that we get this right it will set an example for other industry sectors and our region will be better for it,” said Board Member Mark Ridley-Thomas, according to The Source.
