If you want to reduce your carbon footprint trekking to Yosemite via Amtrak is an excellent way to do so. Conscious if the many motor vehicles that burn fuel and spout exhaust throughout the beautiful national park, I wanted to reduce my own carbon footprint. Amtrak.
The Route
With backpack gear and all, Norwalk Metro Greenline Station (Blueline to Redline) to Union Station Downtown Los Angeles. Board Amtrak thruway bus (spacious I might add) to Bakersfield. Board Amtrak Train to Merced. Merced board YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transit) to Curry Village where the adventure really begins. Lou from YARTS was very cool and friendly. I missed my bus back at Curry Village (coming down from the backcountry) but Lou picked me up and gave me a ride to the Lodge where I met my bus. Thanks Lou!
The connecting Train and busses are cordinated well and no worry in missing connections because Amtrak assures that (they own the busses, to from Bakersfield and LA). Very smooth.
I offset my carbon footprint. By car I would have burned 0.200 tonnes: 772 miles.
By rail burned 0.075 tonnes of carbon: 772 miles
If it were up to me, I would close access to motor vehicles and restrict access only to busses and shuttles. If.
1 comment:
This is why I like trains & Amtrak.
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