Climate Action Plan

Overview

Jefferson Transit Authority recognizes that climate change is a pressing issue with lasting effects on the quality of life and well-being of our riders, employees, and the wider community. As an essential part of Jefferson County’s transportation infrastructure, JTA faces distinct climate-related risks to our assets and operations. We also recognize our responsibility to contribute to broader initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. 

In December 2024, the JTA Board adopted a Climate Action Plan for the agency. This plan outlines a roadmap with goals, strategies, and actionable steps to build a climate-resilient, low-emissions public transportation system in Jefferson County. The plan focuses on the next decade, through 2035, with longer-term goals set where feasible.

CAP goals table

Development Process

The Climate Action Plan was developed between December 2023 and December 2024 by a team including JTA staff, community partners, and consultants from Maul, Foster & Alongi, Gradient Xergy, and Shew Design. The process involved the integration of JTA’s priorities and constraints, opportunities for reducing emissions and enhancing resilience, and feedback from the community gathered through a survey, open houses, and focused conversations.

Key Highlights

By combining innovative and proven approaches to climate action, the Climate Action Plan will help our agency tackle immediate climate challenges while laying the foundation for sustained action in the future.

The plan focuses on the following key areas across three spheres of influence: JTA operations, infrastructure and assets, and the community.

  • Reduce GHG emissions: Support countywide efforts to reduce vehicle miles traveled and transportation-related emissions, while achieving a 75% reduction in JTA’s overall operational GHG emissions (compared to 2022 levels) by 2035, and a 95% reduction by 2050. 
  •  Increase climate resilience: Ensure JTA’s infrastructure and operations are resilient to climate change, while supporting regional efforts to strengthen community resilience.
  • Strengthen governance: Improve JTA’s governance to effectively implement the Climate Action Plan. 

Each focus area is supported by specific goals, strategies, and actions.

emissions reduction - resilience building graphic


Implementation

Each year, our agency will implement actions from the Climate Action Plan based on organizational and regional priorities, available funding, technological advancements, and emerging needs.

A key part of implementation is adaptive management. As state regulations evolve, new technologies emerge, or local needs change, we will adjust our implementation plans accordingly. This flexibility will allow our climate action efforts to remain effective and aligned with evolving conditions and priorities.