Objectives
ITAG is designed to simplify the process for Illinois transit agencies to estimate their GHG emissions and evaluate the environmental and financial benefits of transitioning to cleaner fuel technologies. Built in Microsoft Excel – a platform chosen for its accessibility and familiarity – ITAG allows transit agencies to assess their current emissions profile and explore future fleet transition scenarios. The tool comes prepopulated with agency-specific data, reducing the need for manual data entry while allowing customization based on local conditions and fleet characteristics.
The key objectives of ITAG are:
- Estimate Current GHG Emissions: ITAG will help agencies calculate their current carbon footprint by analyzing data on fuel consumption, vehicle miles traveled, and the energy efficiency of different types of vehicles.
- Model GHG Reductions from Alternative Fuels: Transit agencies can simulate the impact of transitioning from fossil fuels to cleaner alternatives, such as electricity or hydrogen-powered buses. ITAG will provide data on how these transitions would reduce emissions based on the unique circumstances of each agency.
- Evaluate Modal Shift Benefits: ITAG will also factor in potential GHG reductions from encouraging people to shift from private vehicles to public transit. The tool will analyze demographic and transportation data to estimate how changes in ridership patterns could further reduce emissions.
- Agency Comparisons: ITAG will enable agencies to compare their carbon footprints with other transit systems across Illinois, fostering a competitive and collaborative approach to reducing emissions.
- Support for Funding Applications: With clear and reliable data, transit agencies can use ITAG to strengthen funding applications by demonstrating the environmental benefits of fleet modernization and expansion projects.
Key Features
One of the standout features of ITAG is its use of prepopulated data from reputable sources such as the Federal Transit Administration’s National Transit Database (FTA NTD), the U.S. Census Bureau, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This data enables transit agencies to quickly assess their emissions and implement changes based on accurate, region-specific information. ITAG also allows for highly customizable scenarios, enabling agencies to input their own data and model transitions such as switching from diesel to electric or hydrogen-powered buses. The tool considers variables like local energy grid emissions and fuel type to calculate potential GHG reductions.
ITAG also factors in both direct and indirect emissions, including those related to the production of electricity or hydrogen. This provides agencies with realistic estimates of their environmental impact. Another key feature is the tool’s optimization module, which offers tailored recommendations for agencies aiming to achieve carbon-neutral operations. These recommendations are designed to be both effective and practical, taking into account the local constraints such as budget and operational needs.
Benefits
ITAG offers several important benefits to Illinois transit agencies. First and foremost, it empowers agencies to make informed, data-driven decisions that will reduce their overall GHG emissions. By allowing agencies to model different fleet transition scenarios, ITAG helps them determine the most effective pathway toward reducing their carbon footprint. Research has shown that transitioning to electric buses, especially when paired with a cleaner power grid, can significantly reduce emissions compared to traditional fossil-fuel-powered buses.
Additionally, transitioning to cleaner technologies often leads to long-term financial savings. Electric buses, for example, have lower fuel and maintenance costs compared to diesel buses, and ITAG helps agencies assess these potential savings through its customizable scenario modeling. Another critical benefit of ITAG is its consideration of equity. The tool integrates socio-economic data, ensuring that the environmental and financial benefits of cleaner transportation are equitably distributed, especially in low-income and minority communities that are disproportionately affected by air pollution from diesel emissions. By prioritizing cleaner transit options in these areas, ITAG ensures that the transition to greener transportation benefits everyone.
Finally, ITAG promotes transparency and accountability by offering agencies the ability to compare their performance with others across Illinois. This feature encourages collaboration between agencies and motivates them to adopt more sustainable practices, ultimately contributing to a more environmentally friendly and equitable public transportation system in the state.
