CARTA car share plan wins environmental award

The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) is being recognized for launching with Tennessee Valley Authority funding an integrated public Level 2 charging and electric vehicle car share network along its existing public transit system routes.

CARTA now has 56 charging stations across 20 locations, according to the administration’s news release. Energy use is offset by three new solar power generators with a combined capacity of 80 kilowatts. Implementing the program is estimated to have reduced total emissions reduction amounts by 530 tons of CO2.

State officials also note CARTA recognized the value in promoting multi-modal-travel solutions that can be integrated into the transit system.

Electric charging and car share station sites were designed to coordinate with CARTA’s mainline bus and Electric Shuttle routes as well as Bike Chattanooga Bicycle Transit System locations and key downtown parking garages.

CARTA selected Green Commuter to launch the state’s first all-electric public car share system, with the initial deployment of 20 Nissan LEAFs in Chattanooga. These vehicles use the public charging stations and are maintained and sponsored by Green Commuter.

CARTA and other award winners will be honored in a June 16 event in Nashville.