Clean Commute Options
High pollution levels are now affecting the Greater Lansing area. CATA offers a free program dedicated to raising community awareness about the alternatives to driving alone. Information is provided to help choose commute alternatives such as the bus, walking and biking. The objective is to improve air quality in the tri-county area.
Three Simple Spring Tips
May-September is Ozone Action SeasonDuring the months of May-September, our community could face unhealthy air quality levels due to an increase in ground-level ozone concentrations from single occupant vehicles. Watch for ozone alerts of orange or higher and Take Action!
- Ride the Bus, Carpool, Vanpool, Bike or Walk
- Don’t top off your gas tank
- Reduce vehicle engine idling
- Fuel up after 5 p.m.
- Trip Chain-combine your errands
- Refrain from mowing on Ozone Action Days
When the AQI
is in this range: |
...air quality conditions are: |
Meaning |
0 to 50 |
Good |
Air quality is considered satisfactory and air pollution poses little or no risk. |
51 to 100 |
Moderate |
Air quality is acceptable, however there may be a very small number of people affected who are usually sensitive to air pollution. |
101 to 150 |
Unhealthy for
Sensitive Groups |
Members of sensitive groups (children, those with asthma or otehr lung problems) may experience health effects. |
151 to 200 |
Unhealthy |
Everyone may begin to experience health effects. Members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. |
201 to 300 |
Very Unhealthy |
Health alert: Everyone may experience more serious health effects. |
We know that getting in your own car and driving is often the easiest and quickest option, but you may not know that a small change in the choices we make can have a big impact.
Simple Steps to Cleaner AirWe know that getting in your own car and driving is often the easiest and quickest option, but you may not know that a small change in the choices we make can have a big impact.
- At least once a week choose to ride the bus, or choose other commute options such biking, walking, carpool or vanpool.
- If you have to drive alone, combine trips and don't idle your vehicle
- Fuel your car in the evening and don’t top off your tank.
- Mow your lawn in the evening and reduce the number of times you water your lawn.
Ozone & Your Health
High pollution levels are affecting the Greater Lansing community. The effects of ozone on your health include:
- Increase in asthma irritation
- Chest pain and difficulty in breathing
- Narrows airways, making it harder to provide oxygen to the body
- Aggravated/prolonged coughing
- Increased chance of respiratory infection
- Eye irritation
- Most vulnerable: those with pre-existing respiratory problems, children, and adults who actively exercise or work outdoors
For more information please visit the Michigan DEQ's Air Quality website.
Clean Air Initiatives
Cleaner emissions/efficient vehicles – CATA buses use ultra low sulfur (lower emission) fuel, which reduced emissions by 20% over diesel, and newer buses are ordered with particulate exhaust filters that lower emissions even further.
Hybrids on the way – CATA was the first transit system in the state of Michigan to operate 40-foot diesel electric hybrid buses when three hybrids joined CATA’s feet in August 2006. These new buses offer greater fuel economy and reduce emissions. Other benefits include reduced maintenance costs resulting from extended brake life, engine oil and transmission oil life, a smoother ride for passengers and operation sound levels approaching that of passenger cars. CATA plans to purchase hybrid vehicles in future large bus acquisitions. “CATA is committed to improving the area’s air quality,” said Sandy Draggoo, CATA CEO/Executive Director. “Hybrids are the latest of our initiatives to operate an environmentally friendly bus fleet.”
Contact Information
Clean Commute Options Application (PDF)
Call:
517.393.7433
Fax:
517.394.3733
CATA - Clean Commute Options
4615 Tranter St.
Lansing, MI 48910
Email us at
cleancommute@cata.org
Send us a message online.