Environment

Earth Day Impact: Sustainable Travel That Protects Colorado’s Mountains

Posted On: 04/22/2026

This Earth Day, we’re celebrating measurable environmental progress across Colorado’s mountain corridor. Epic Mountain Express isn’t just a convenient way to travel — it’s a sustainable transportation solution that reduces CO₂ emissions, cuts traffic on I‑70 and protects the rivers and ecosystems that define our mountain communities.

Our Epic Impact by the Numbers:

The Traffic Eraser

Every full EME shuttle removes up to 8 private vehicles from the I‑70 corridor. Across our fleet’s 2.8 million annual miles, we eliminate millions of miles of individual car travel each year, easing congestion and reducing emissions on Colorado’s busiest mountain highway.

Carbon Reduction

By consolidating travelers into high‑capacity shuttles, Epic Mountain Express prevents over 2,500 metric tons of CO₂ from entering the atmosphere annually — the equivalent of planting 40,000+ trees and letting them grow for a decade.

Tunnel Relief

A single fully loaded shuttle removes nearly 500 feet of bumper‑to‑bumper traffic from the Eisenhower Tunnel and steep mountain passes, helping guests and locals reach the slopes more smoothly and safely.

Peak Efficiency Through Proactive Maintenance

Our preventive maintenance program keeps every shuttle operating at peak environmental efficiency. By prioritizing proactive mechanical care, we maximize fuel economy, reduce emissions, and maintain the highest reliability for every passenger.

Behind the Scenes: Our Green Shop Initiative

We’re committed to ensuring that our maintenance practices are as clean as the mountain air we drive through.

Aqueous Parts Washing

Our Edwards and Silverthorne hubs are transitioning to aqueous parts washers, which use water‑based, biodegradable solutions instead of petroleum solvents.

Protecting Our Headwaters

We are adopting pH‑neutral, non‑toxic degreasers to protect the Eagle River, the Blue River, and the Dillon Reservoir watershed.

Closed‑Loop Waste Management

By partnering with certified recyclers in Eagle and Summit Counties, we ensure 100% of industrial fluids are captured and recycled, achieving zero runoff into local ecosystems.

Why This Matters — Locally and Globally

Reducing vehicle miles traveled and preventing shop runoff creates a ripple effect:

  • Cleaner air for mountain communities
  • Less congestion and idling on I‑70
  • Healthier rivers and reservoirs
  • Lower carbon emissions
  • Stronger alignment with regional sustainability goals

These improvements benefit both Colorado’s environment and the global climate.

How You Can Join Us

  • Choose the shuttle: Reduce your personal carbon footprint by riding EME.
  • Share the ride: Encourage friends and family to travel together.
  • Support local stewardship: Choose businesses that prioritize sustainable practices.
  • Spread the word: Share our Earth Day impact to inspire others.

We’re proud of the measurable difference Epic Mountain Express makes every day. This Earth Day, we recommit to cleaner maintenance, smarter transportation, and stronger partnerships that protect our mountain home.

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