In 2009 Monroe Transit was awarded for its green initiatives with an ELP Municipality Achievement Award in Pollution Prevention. The award, presented by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Equality (DEQ), recognizes the achievement of the following milestones:
- Taking steps to decrease the amount of emissions produced by city vehicles by introduction of biodiesel fuel as an option
- Purchasing buses with particulate filters
- Purchasing a hybrid vehicle with a low emission vehicle (LEV) rating
- Promoting ridership to decrease the number of automobiles on the road
Through these and other initiatives the City of Monroe hopes to decrease emissions and improve air quality for the entire community.

In April 2009, Monroe Transit took a huge step in demonstrating our commitment to improving the air quality in our community by purchasing our first hybrid bus. Monroe Transit was the first transit system in Louisiana to operate a hybrid. In researching the facts, we determined that going hybrid was a step we were ready to take.
According to Gillig, the hybrid bus manufacturer, "The main reason hybrid electric technology is so appealing for transit buses is that it helps overcome the most problematic part of transit service-it's a stop-and-go duty cycle. Hybrid buses use significantly less fuel and are more efficient and much quieter than conventional buses, while also producing significantly fewer emissions."
The Hybrid bus has shown us how our focus on protecting the environment can simultaneously encourage others to do their part. Going green is a win-win-win for Monroe Transit, our community and our environment.
Want to share feedback with Monroe Transit or have a question or comment? Please call 318-329-2506, visit us on Facebook, or ask your bus operator!