Buses left red-faced by CO2 figures
It is generally accepted that taking public transport is better for the environment than jumping in your motor, however new stats from the Government threaten to debase this assumption.
While accepting that public transport remains the greenest and most effective way of getting about London, data collected by DEFRA and DECC suggests that empty buses elsewhere are dishing out more damage to the environment than lone car drivers.
Figures outlining CO2 emissions show that buses outside of the capital emit more than double of their London-based counterparts on average (221g/km CO2e (CO2 equivalent) per passenger km to 102g/km).
However, it is also suggested that taking the car would be the greener option for those lone commuters outside of London.
A small petrol car typically emits 201g/km CO2e, a small diesel car 172g/km and a medium diesel car 215g/km.
Off-peak palaver
Paul Biggs, Environment Spokesman for the Association of British Drivers, blamed an over-subscribed bus timetable: “Perhaps those who criticise lone car drivers should turn their attention to empty off-peak buses instead.
“Although buses provide an important public service, even London can only manage an average occupancy of around 15 passengers. Modern efficient cars outperform buses not just for CO2 emissions, but for genuine pollutants as well.”
The introduction of 90 hybrid buses in the capital this year has gone some way to cut CO2 emissions.
With the hybrid bus count breaching the 200-mark, Mike Weston, Operations Director for London Buses, believes London is leading the way and aims to have 300 in action by 2013.
“Our efforts [are] contributing to the concerted effort to cut the capital’s CO2 emissions and pollution,” he says.
“We are making excellent progress with this new technology and remain committed to maximising the number of new hybrid buses entering service from 2012.”
According to TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk, a hybrid bus uses one third less fuel than conventional buses by switching to an electrically powered motor when possible.
Click here for the full read – thegreencarwebsite.co.uk/hybrid-system-cuts-bus-fuel-consumption-by-a-third/.
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