Traffic & Transit
Brookhaven Rail Celebrates Earth Day with Young Environmentalists
As Earth Day 2021 arrives, Brookhaven Rail Terminal introduces a new generation of environmentalists to "Betty" the BRT railroad engine
During Earth Day 2021 observances, a future generation of Long Island environmentalists is being introduced to the green power of rail by the Brookhaven Rail Terminal (BRT) in Yaphank, New York with their new cartoon creation, "Betty" the BRT freight train engine.
The first edition of the cartoon features the adventures of a bag of flour that travels from farm to mill to Long Island, arriving on the island via "Betty" and her rail cars while bypassing a conga line of truck traffic on the infamous Long Island Expressway to become a morning breakfast treat.
"Between COVID, and the realities of safely running an intermodal freight facility, the idea of allowing young visitors to visit our facility is problematic," explained Andrew Kaufman, president of BRT. "We thought a far more innovative way of introducing the role of `green rails' on Long Island is by creating the adventures of `Betty,' the locomotive that brings many of our everyday items to Long Island while giving our farmers and manufacturers access to far flung markets."
Kaufman noted, "In an era when so much interaction with children is digital and online, presented at `warp speed,' our coloring book is designed to allow youngsters to pick up crayons and enjoy making their own art, while seeing a story that helps protect their island. We think our locomotive `Betty,' has many stories to tell Long Island children and our first edition is just the start of that journey."
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Every year The Brookhaven Rail Terminal welcomes 300,000 tons of products destined for a broad range of regional companies serving 2.85 million Long Islanders. It is estimated that the BRT eliminates some 12,000 truck operations on local roads and the Long Island Expressway annually.
"We know Long Islanders seek to live in balance with nature but it is a difficult challenge. Our facility seeks to make that effort more obtainable," offered Kaufman. "Bringing 'Betty' to a new generation raises awareness of how, who, and where environmental progress is being made."
