Metro accomplished a few green tasks this month by doing one thing: buying a smart car for its vehicle fleet. Officially called "smart fortwo," the car will not only save Metro money by using less gas, but it creates extremely low exhaust emissions and causes less wear and tear on roads thanks to its diminutive size.
Earlier in the year, Metro conducted a fleet modernization study, and found that most Metro staff trips were taken by just one or two people at a time. So when it came time to replace an older five passenger sedan, it only made sense to buy a more fuel-efficient and economical vehicle that carried only one or two people. That's where the "smart fortwo" car came in. At 40 to 50 miles per gallon, and at a much more favorable purchase price, the little vehicle will save Metro cash throughout its lifetime.
It will also be better for the environment. According to smart, the company that produces the cars, 95 percent of the vehicle is recyclable, the dashboard is made from recycled synthetics, and only water-soluble paints are used for the car's basic colors. In addition, the "smartville" factory where the vehicle is produced is one of the most modern and environmentally friendly plants in the world.
Here are a few other facts about the car:
- The 106-inch smart fortwo is about half the length of the average vehicle in the U.S., saving about 8 feet in length.
- If every vehicle sold in the US were a "smart," this would free up 24,242 miles of roadway (which is just shy of the circumference of Earth).
- A 100 percent smart vehicle fleet would only require half of the parking spaces used today.
- The smart fortwo is the most fuel-efficient, non-hybrid, gasoline-powered vehicle in the U.S.
- Each smart fortwo is produced in only 8 hours from start to finish, with 3 hours of actual build time.
The smart fortwo joins three other environmentally friendly Metro fleet vehicles. Three bikes are available for Metro staff to check out for meetings. In addition to a regular bike, Metro has a cargo bike that allows staff to haul meeting supplies and materials to appointments outside the office. For longer trips, an electric bicycle allows staff to pedal and get a power assist when they need it.