The World Resources Institute (WRI) Center for Sustainable Transport, EMBARQ, has been awarded the 2009 Roy Family Award for Environmental Partnership from Harvard University. The honor is recognizing EMBARQ's Mexico City Metrobus transit project that is designed to address traffic congestion, air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and safety. Key to the project's success was the Caterpillar Foundation's $7.5 million grant to assist in the development of the initiative.

"As an integral part of our sustainable development strategy, Cat supports the mobility that drives economies and connects people," said Doug Oberhelman, Caterpillar Group President and member of WRI Board of Directors. Oberhelman was recently named Caterpillar Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer"“Elect effective January 1, 2010. "We are providing the technologies and expertise that not only improve air quality but also assist in reducing congestion and frustration caused by a growing transportation system in Mexico City and around the world," said Oberhelman.

In 2005, Metrobus opened along 12 miles of the central transportation artery in Mexico City. The route was extended an additional mile in 2008 and later expanded another 14 miles with the launch of the "Eje 4" corridor. By introducing cleaner, more efficient buses and convincing roughly 250,000 passengers to now travel by bus each day, Metrobus has resulted in a 50 percent reduction in travel times and a reduction of 43,000 tons per year in greenhouse gases.

EMBARQ worked on the project with various Mexico City agencies that have now formed the Center for Sustainable Transport in Mexico, a not-for-profit agency that is providing ongoing assistance to the Metrobus system. Along with the Cat Foundation, the World Bank, Global Environment Facility, Shell Foundation and Hewlett Foundation have provided financial support.

"Each partner contributed to the success of Metrobus in different ways," said Nancy Kete, Director of EMBARQ. "By coming in from the outside, the group brought new ideas, international prestige and global best practices."

Caterpillar continues to be actively involved in EMBARQ's efforts by offering strategic guidance, helping identify additional cities and exploring ways to improve sustainable transportation in targeted cities.

The bi-annual Roy Family Award celebrates outstanding public-private partnerships that enhance environmental quality through the use of novel and creative approaches.

About Caterpillar:
For more than 80 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been making progress possible and driving positive and sustainable change on every continent. With 2008 sales and revenues of $51.324 billion, Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. The company also is a leading services provider through Caterpillar Financial Services, Caterpillar Remanufacturing Services, Caterpillar Logistics Services and Progress Rail Services. More information is available at http://www.cat.com.

Caterpillar

Caterpillar

For more than 85 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been making sustainable progress possible and driving positive change on every continent. With 2011 sales and revenues of $60.138 billion, Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. The company also is a leading services provider through Caterpillar Financial Services, Caterpillar Remanufacturing Services and Progress Rail Services. More information is available at: http://www.caterpillar.com.

More from Caterpillar