Here in the Keys, we understand the importance of being environmentally
conscientious. We have many organizations that help protect and preserve our
natural habits and wildlife, and programs in place for residents to help make a
difference as well. Now, Key West Transit has a new bus in town which will also
help the environment directly. The city has a new hybrid diesel/electric bus, which is not only eco-friendly ‘Green’,
but the bus itself is actually green, so you will know when you see it on the
road. The bus is another way Key West is taking steps to reduce our carbon footprint. The hybrid bus
releases fewer greenhouse gas emissions and saves money in both maintenance and
fuel costs.
The new bus is designed to use the nature of stop and go driving to its advantage. The electric motor is in play
whenever the bus accelerates from a stopped position. As the bus slows toward a
stop, the electric motor is charged, allowing for it to travel quite a while
before needing to be recharged at a station. The addition of the hybrid bus
puts Key West in good company. There are dozens
of metro areas across the county which are making this conversion with an
eco-friendly fleet as part of their sustainable
practices. The more of these types of vehicles we can get on the road, the
less air pollution there will be, and the less petroleum fuel consumption there
will be.
Key West Transit is also aiding in individuals decreasing their own carbon
footprint as well. As of July this year, they have increased the number of
bicycles that can be taken on the Lower
Keys Shuttle, bringing another eco-friendly transportation option up a
notch for those who travel through the region. In addition to the bike racks
that are on the back of the shuttle, you can now also use the front bike rack, allowing for more
riders with bikes to use the Lower Keys Shuttle at the same time. There is no
extra charge for transporting your bike.
Improvements such as this help in the overall efforts being made toward
cleaner transportation options and easier access for residents and visitors to
our area.
It is easy to be green in the Florida Keys, and more
resources and options continue to improve our way of life. If you’re on your way to sell or buy a home in the Key West area,
please contact me, Jimmy Lane, for all of your real estate
needs.
Labels: Hybrid Bus, jimmy lane, Key West Transit, Lower Keys Shuttle
