Sustainability and Resilience at the MBTA
The MBTA plays an important role in reducing emissions in Massachusetts. We operate a low-carbon transit system, offering an alternative to driving and supporting good land use in Greater Boston. Our goal is to increase sustainability and enhance the resilience of the transit system, further strengthening the climate benefits of our public transportation services.
The MBTA uses many forms of energy, including electricity, steam, diesel, natural gas, and other carbon-based fuels. We seek to reduce our carbon footprint and our impact on the environment whenever possible. As of January 2021, 100% of the MBTA’s electricity needs are supplied by certified renewable electricity. We also have on-site energy generation via wind turbines and solar arrays.
Climate Plans
Learn more about our vision for a sustainable and resilient MBTA.
Travel Sustainably with the T
You can help the environment just by taking the T. Here are a few ways we’re working together to make a more sustainable future:
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We're reducing traffic
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Taking the bus, subway, or Commuter Rail helps take cars off the road and reduce traffic. Fewer cars result in improved air quality and reduced noise pollution.
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We're using clean energy
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The subway is powered by 100% clean, renewable electricity, making your ride even more sustainable.
New battery-electric buses will hit the streets soon, providing a quieter and cleaner experience for bus riders. Battery-electric buses also reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
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We’re connecting you to the outdoors
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You can ride the MBTA to state parks, historic landmarks, beaches, and trails across the region. There are 17 rail trails that connect to the commuter rail network, with 16 more in the works.
Use our Get Outside with the T guide to pick your next destination
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We invest in energy efficiency
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Over the past decade, the MBTA invested $22 million in energy efficiency projects. Now we save over $17 million every year on our energy bills.
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We're making transit more affordable to enable more people to ride
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Our Income-Eligible Reduced Fare program launched in September 2024 and enrolled more than 20,200 riders in its first 6 months. Over 65% of applications have been automatically approved online.
We offer reduced fares to riders between the ages of 18 – 64 who are enrolled in an approved state assistance program.
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We're expanding service
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In March 2025, we launched our new South Coast Rail service. We estimate that 1,610 riders will travel each day from Fall River and New Bedford, taking cars off the road and easing congestion.
In December 2024, we made changes to the bus network, improving service reliability and frequency to enable more drivers to take the bus instead.
Sustainability and Resilience Programs
To learn more about our efforts toward environmental sustainability and resilience, take a look at our programs.
Planning at the MBTA
Downloads
2017 Sustainability Report (PDF, 16.6 MB)
Share Your Ideas
If you have ideas or suggestions for making the MBTA more environmentally sustainable, please email environmental@mbta.com or call 617-222-4376.
Climate Plans
Learn more about our vision for a sustainable and resilient MBTA.
