Pandemic transit service cutbacks cause emissions to drop

Greenhouse gas emissions fell 18% below pre-pandemic emissions targets, mostly due to operational changes in response to plunging transit ridership in 2021, York Region reports

Newmarkettoday.ca
July 12, 2022

Thanks to reduced public transit services during the pandemic, the Regional Municipality of York marked a drop in greenhouse gas emissions last year.

Greenhouse gas emissions fell by 710 tonnes last year to 65,980 tonnes, 18 per cent below pre-pandemic emissions targets, according to the 2021 corporate energy report.

Operational changes, specifically to transit service ridership in response to the pandemic, account for most of York Region’s corporate emission reductions, according to a news release.

"It is anticipated corporate emissions will rebound with an increase in transit service, while successes from long-term efforts will continue beyond the global pandemic," the region stated.

Office consolidations, conducting business virtually, digital processes and reduced employee vehicle use saved the region $1.8 million and contributed to the region’s 2021 emissions reductions.

Initiatives such as replacing electric vehicles, including transit buses, building system upgrades and hybrid police patrol vehicles are also contributing to immediate and measurable emission and cost reductions, the region added.

The annual corporate energy report is York Region’s primary tool for reporting progress toward meeting emissions targets approved by regional council.

Reduced corporate emissions resulting from mitigation efforts support the region’s work to address priorities in the draft climate change action plan.

“York Region is steadfast in its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050,” York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson said. “It is imperative all levels of government take action now to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and limit irreversible global warming impacts to protect our planet and generations to come."

Corporate energy costs increased by 5 per cent to $45.6 million in 2021 driven by rising prices for gasoline, diesel fuel, natural gas and federal carbon tax. Annual costs associated with the carbon tax are projected to add $9.7 million to the region’s annual operating costs by 2030, driving opportunities to further reduce fossil fuel use.

“While York Region’s contribution compared to overall community emissions may seem small, we recognize we have a leadership role with emission reduction initiatives,” said Vaughan Regional Councillor Mario Ferri, chair of environmental services. “By working with local cities and towns on fleet electrification, best practices and initiatives toward reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, we can achieve a more sustainable future.”

Regional council recently approved an application for federal government funding that supports municipal transit agencies pursuing fleet electrification. If approved, York Region Transit could accelerate vehicle electrification and transition its entire fleet from 2051 to 2041.

York Region Transit currently operates 12 electric buses in the region that reduce fuel, maintenance costs, noise and emissions.