The "State of the Global Climate" report released in March 2025 states our world has just experienced its hottest decade. In fact 2024 was the hottest since record-keeping began according to the World Meteorological Organization and was likely the first time global temperatures exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius above the baseline set in 1850-1900. Atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide were at the highest levels in the last 800,000 years. Such record levels of greenhouse gases-along with the El Niño weather pattern-were mostly to blame for the higher temperatures.

Choosing to ride public transportation is one of the most effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow climate change.

Did you know SEPTA commuters have a third of the carbon footprint of those who travel by car?

Public transportation provides an affordable alternative to driving and saves the U.S. the equivalent of 6 billion gallons of gasoline annually. That's more than 16 million gallons of gasoline per day.

Traveling by train uses less energy and produces less pollution than traveling by car.

One full 40′ #SEPTA bus means up to 40 single occupancy vehicles off the road.

SEPTA service avoids over 1.5 BILLION pounds of carbon-dioxide equivalent per year by getting people out of their cars, reducing congestion, and supporting eco-friendly land uses.

What else is SEPTA doing?

Did you know SEPTA's offsite solar farms produce up to 64 GWh of electricity per year? That's enough to offset 15-20% of SEPTA's annual electricity needs! All of SEPTA's trains, subways, and trolleys are fully electric so solar helps us keep commutes clean. Our solar farm has also generated over $500K in net revenue since 2021-a smart investment for SEPTA and our planet!

With support from Cheltenham Shade Tree Advisory Commission and volunteers SEPTA helped plant four new trees at Glenside Station.

Did you know SEPTA has three rooftop solar installations at our Berridge-Wyoming, Fern Rock, and Callowhill locations? They generate energy and contribute to the greening of our local grid with clean, renewable energy and cover 15-20% of our electricity needs at those locations. Together they have generated over 12,000 MWh of renewable power, avoiding over 3,600 metric tons of CO2e emissions.

What can you do?

Even if you ride just once a week you can have a direct impact on slowing climate change from Neshaminy Mall to the North Pole!