SEPTA’s new theme: ‘Go Green’

Jumping on the green bandwagon - or, in this case, the green bus - SEPTA today will launch an initiative aimed at increasing ridership to reduce emissions that contribute to global warming.

The campaign, "Go Green Go SEPTA," is timed for the Philadelphia Flower Show, which runs March 2-9 at the Convention Center and is typically a time of increased ridership.

A live moss exhibit - with the words "Go Green" formed by moss - has been planted at nearby Market East Station, where SEPTA will announce the initiative this afternoon.

General manager Joseph Casey said in a statement that by taking public transportation, "Our riders are doing their part. . . . Our vehicles and service play an essential rols in making the region cleaner, as well as in making it easier for people to live greener."

Riding public transporation is "one of the most significant and immediate actions a solo commuter can take to reduce his or her environmental impact," the authority said.

Look for posters that say things like:

"One SEPTA rider consumes about half the amount of oil than that of a private commuter. Imagine what a busload can do."

SEPTA also has been working to minimize the environmental impact of its fleet.

It operates 32 diesel-electric hybrid buses and plans to add 400 more by 2011. These are 30 percent more fuel efficient and emit significantly less carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, according to SEPTA. Other buses have been retrofitted so they can use cleaner, ultra low-sulphur diesel fuel.