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Major Bus Groups put environmental credentials on at EURO BUS EXPO 2008
June 13th, 2008
Five of the UK’s largest bus groups, who between them run more than 30,000 vehicles and provide more than 2 billion passengers per year, will be using Euro Bus Expo this autumn to demonstrate how they are reducing their respective carbon footprints.
Co-ordinated by the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) UK and in a major first for what is Europe’s largest dedicated industry event this year, Arriva plc, FirstGroup plc, Go Ahead Group plc, National Express Group plc and Stagecoach Group plc will all be highlighting a range of initiatives that they are individually deploying to reduce the environmental impact of their respective operations in a special “Environment Zone” at the show.
The Environment Zone, which is one of three dedicated areas of the show, will feature a number of other exhibitors in addition to the five major bus operators, who will be demonstrating many the different products, services, schemes and initiatives that are actively contributing to reduced environmental impact.
As well as investment in modern fuel efficient and reduced emission vehicles, use of alternative fuels and detailed on-board analysis of vehicle data, transport operators from right across the bus and coach industry are increasingly implementing best practice to reduce energy consumption and waste from their depots and management offices.
Commenting on the announcement, President of the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK (CPT) Giles Fearnley said, “Collectively, the bus sector has made enormous strides not only recognising its wider environmental responsibilities but also putting in place many practical initiatives that are already reducing energy consumption and emissions in many different areas of operations.”
“By actively supporting and participating in our industry’s biennial showcase, it gives an ideal opportunity to show both a national and an international audience how we are in the vanguard to reduce environmental impact and provide a greener alternative to cars”.
He added, “Whilst the lion’s share of UK market is accounted for by these five major groups, there are also many other operators in the bus and coach sector both small and large who are equally pro-active in this vital area and I would actively encourage them to participate in this important showcase too.”
Euro Bus Expo 2008 takes place at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham, UK on the 4th – 6th November. This three day trade-only Exhibition will feature more than 300 stands - including over 30 of Europe’s leading chassis, bodybuilder and complete vehicle brands.
A two day International Conference, featuring a keynote speech from Minister of State for Transport the Rt Hon Rosie Winterton MP, will run in parallel with the show, with all five of the major bus groups participating in the Environment Zone also highlighting in Conference their experiences in making public transport a greener alternative to cars.