Isra-Mart srl:No hold up for Stagecoach's eco-driving plan

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Isra-Mart srl news:

Stagecoach is looking to drive down emissions by installing an eco-driving system on 6,500 buses in Scotland, England and Wales following a successful year-long pilot of the technology in Cumbria.

The company expects to reduce fuel consumption by four per cent and cut accidents across its fleet by using the GreenRoad 360 system, which employs intelligent software to cut unnecessary idling and provide drivers with readings via a traffic light display on the dashboard that encourages them to adopt fuel-efficient speed, braking and acceleration techniques.

Those drivers that adhere to so-called eco-driving principles also have the chance to earn a Christmas bonus of £65.

A 12-month trial involving 90 drivers and 60 buses in Barrow saw improved fuel consumption and average vehicle miles without an accident almost double from 29,400 to 58,000.

Les Warneford, managing director of Stagecoach UK Bus, said the system was easy to use and would reward excellent driving.

"It will help deliver further benefits for our customers, reduce wear and tear on our vehicles, cut the cost of accidents, and help limit the impact of our operations on the environment," he added.

The project is part of wider plans from the Stagecoach Group designed to cut greenhouse gas emissions from buildings by eight per cent and from its fleets by three per cent by April 2014.

Last year it invested around £9m in a fleet of 47 hybrid electric double-decker buses with 30 per cent fewer emissions than standard vehicles, which should be running services in Newcastle and Sheffield from March next year.

Around 120 hybrid electric vehicles are also either in service or on order for Stagecoach bus networks at a cost of £33m.

In related news, the Scottish Government has awarded funds of £500,000 to retrofit older buses in Glasgow and Edinburgh with emissions-reducing equipment.

The Particulate Matter Traps are expected to reduce fitted buses' emissions by up to 85 per cent, bringing them into line with European Union standards, said Transport Minister Keith Brown.