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Sustainable Transportation

Nearly one-third of all air pollution in the New York metropolitan region is caused by vehicle travel. In addition, transportation represents the largest source of New York State's greenhouse gas emissions. Taking other forms of transportation - such as walking, biking, carpool, or mass transit - can make a big difference. Everyone has the power to help make New York’s air healthier and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. You will also save money on gas at the same time.
 
Sustainable Transportation Tips
  • Ditch your car! Walk, bike, or take the bus to your next destination. Our City is just 2.2 square miles and can easily be traveled without using your car.
  • Purchase the most fuel efficient car that suits your needs.
  • Purchase an Electric Vehicle or Hybrid Electric Vehicle.
  • Don't let your car idle.
  • Eat locally - local food requires less transportation and therefore less vehicle emissions and energy consumption. You will also be supporting the local economy

To increase fuel economy:

  • Drive the speed limit - fuel economy decreases rapidly at speeds above 50 mph. Driving 5 mph over 50 mph is like paying an extra 19 cents per gallon of gas.
  • Use cruise control when you can - maintaining a consistent RPM reduces fuel consumption
  • Keep tires inflated to the recommended level, doing so can improve your mpg by up to 3% and save you as much as 8 cents per gallon.
  • Avoid quick acceleration and frequent breaking
  • Clean out your car and don't keep heavy items in your trunk.
  • Remove your rooftop cargo container when not in use. Aerodynamic drag from a Thule can reduce fuel economy by up to 25%
  • Fuel economy tips in cold weather.
  • Fuel economy tips in hot weather.
 
Resources
 
Carpooling
Long Beach has partnered with 511NY Rideshare to create a personalized Long Beach rideshare portal. Find someone to carpool with through the Long Beach 511NY Rideshare Portal.
 
How Does Ridematching Work:
  1. Sign up online or by phone (Call 511 and say “Rideshare”)
  2. Find a Ridematch (you will be matched to other people in the database who live/work near you and have similar work schedules)
  3. Email, text, or call your ridematch to join or setup a carpool
  4. Start Carpooling!
 
Guaranteed Ride Program
The Guaranteed Ride Program offers commuters a FREE Uber/Lyft/ Taxi ride home from work during an emergency or unexpected situation. To qualify, you must be a registered 511NY Rideshare member who uses alternative transportation to get to work on a regular basis - this includes anyone walking, biking, carpooling, vanpooling, or taking the train or bus to get to work. 
 
Examples of valid reasons where employees can receive a free ride home include: your carpool/vanpool/bus/train breaks down or is not operating; a medical emergency; a family emergency; unscheduled overtime; or extreme/inclement weather that prevents you from biking or walking. Visit the Guaranteed Ride Program FAQ to learn more.
 
Long Beach Buses and Trolleys
For more info on the City's Transit schedules, visit www.longbeachny.gov/transportation or call 516-431-4445
 
LIRR
The Long Beach LIRR station is located on the corner of E. Park Avenue and Park Place.
 
Electric Vehicles
Not only are electric vehicles cleaner, but they offer a cutting-edge driving experience, save money on fuel, and need less maintenance than gas or diesel cars.
 
All you need to know about electric vehicles
 
Drive Clean Rebate (NYSERDA)
New York offers a rebate through the Drive Clean Rebate Program to individuals who purchase electric vehicles—up to $2,000 for new car purchases/leases and there are 40+ car models to choose from. This can be combined with the $7,500 federal tax credit. 
 
Clean Pass Vehicles
Low-emission vehicles are eligible for New York’s Clean Pass Program. This program allows low-emission vehicles to use the 40-mile Long Island Expressway High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane, regardless of the number of occupants in the vehicles. In addition, City of Long Beach offers discounted parking permits to Clean Pass Vehicle owners
 
Clean Air NY
The City of Long Beach is proud to be a Clean Air NY Community Partner! Clean Air NY is a sister program of the 511 NY Rideshare Program that supports New York individuals and businesses in making simple changes to everyday travel choices that improve air quality; hence improving our health, our communities, and our quality of life. Sign up to receive Air Quality Action Day Updates updates when air quality is predicted to be in the unhealthy range
 
Car Free Day Long Island
Car Free Day is an international event celebrated every September during which people are encouraged to use alternative modes of transportation such as taking mass transit, carpooling, biking, walking, and telecommuting. Take the pledge by visiting www.carfreedayli.com.