Pierce Transit has recently received local and national recognition for its sustainability efforts, further solidifying the agency’s position as a national leader in protecting the environment through innovative sustainability practices. In July, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) notified Pierce Transit it was receiving the organization’s nationwide Silver-level Sustainability Commitment award, and in October, the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber Spotlight on Business Environmental Steward Award.
The APTA Sustainability Commitment program is a voluntary initiative where public transit agencies and businesses pledge to implement practices that continuously advance environmental, social, and economic sustainability goals. Based on measurable achievements, organizations receive recognition at Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze levels. Since its inception in 2009, 140 public transit agencies and businesses have signed on, with 51 signatories having reached higher-level recognition. Just two agencies received APTA Sustainability Commitment awards in 2025 – Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), and Pierce Transit.
“APTA is proud to honor Pierce Transit for their dedication to building a more sustainable future,” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “Pierce Transit’s Silver recognition reflects not only strong leadership but also measurable progress in reducing environmental impact and enhancing quality of life for the communities they serve. Their accomplishments help set the standard for what’s possible in sustainable public transportation.”
The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber’s Environmental Steward award recognizes organizations leading the way in sustainability and environmental responsibility. It is given to businesses that set measurable goals to reduce impact, improve efficiency, and inspire a greener future for Pierce County.
Pierce Transit has been driving sustainability for nearly half a century. From pioneering compressed natural gas buses in the 1980s to launching a zero-emission strategy today, Pierce Transit continues to set the pace for green mobility in the region.
The agency has reduced total emissions by 19 percent since 2017, transitioned its fleet to renewable natural gas and renewable diesel, and aims for a 100 percent zero-emission fleet by 2042. Pierce Transit’s Youth Ride Free program has already provided more than one million free rides to young people, reducing car trips and promoting a generation of transit users. At Pierce Transit’s bus wash facilities, wastewater has been cut by 90 percent through upgraded systems, and new transit center designs ensure full stormwater infiltration so that nothing harmful leaves the site. For more information, visit PierceTransit.org/sustainability.
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