IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                       
Contact:  Jean Leier (704) 432-0496

HELP YOUR COMMUNITY BREATHE CLEANER AIR

Charlotte, N.C., May 13, 2008 - The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) wants residents to know what you can do to help make the air easier to breathe for your family, friends and neighbors.  CATS will kick off its summer-long O2: Clear the Air campaign May 15 at 11:30 a.m. at the corner of Trade and Tryon Streets near the Bank of America Corporate Center.  Along with Mecklenburg County’s Air Awareness division and Clean Air Works!, CATS will help citizens develop their own personal ozone action day plan.  The O2: Clear the Air campaign is an educational program focused on heightening the public’s awareness of harmful ozone.

Ozone levels are at the worst during the months of May through September.  Ozone is a highly reactive gas that is formed when sunlight mixes with fuel emissions, creating breathing difficulties for children, senior citizens, people with asthma and other respiratory problems.  “CATS recognizes the air quality and public health issues that face the region and we are doing our part in reducing emissions,” said Keith Parker, Chief Executive Officer for CATS.  “All of CATS buses use ultra low sulfur diesel fuel and particulate traps, which reduce the soot in diesel exhaust by up to 90 percent,” Parker said.  Diesel particulate filters are an emissions control technology that removes particulate matter from diesel exhaust by physical filtration.

Riding CATS and LYNX, vanpooling, carpooling, biking and walking are all viable transportation options that can help improve our air quality.  Studies show that public transportation produces 95 percent less carbon monoxide per passenger mile than private vehicles.  Riding public transportation also produces about half as much carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide, all of which contribute to air pollution.  “Air pollution is a serious concern in this region,” said Parker.  “Mecklenburg County currently is a designated non-attainment area for exceeding the federal limit for ground level ozone.  We all need to do our part to improve air quality in this area.”

Taking other small actions such as conserving electricity, mowing your grass after 6 p.m., using water-based cleaners and paints and walking to lunch at a nearby restaurant all help improve air quality.  To learn more about CATS and its services, please call 704-336-RIDE or visit us on the web at www.ridetransit.org.