Buses 'can help reduce carbon emissions'

Date: 25/11/2011

An effective bus transport network can bring down carbon emissions by reducing the number of cars on Britain's roads, the Department for Transport (DfT) has noted.

Responding to a report by the Transport Select Committee, the DfT said in a statement that making an "attractive alternative to the car" available to the public will reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.

Buses help "unclog" congestion caused by overcrowding on some roads if they are used as a means of transport instead of the car and the DfT also highlighted other benefits, such as "reducing noise pollution and improving air quality."

The Committee conducted an enquiry titled Bus Services after the Spending Review and the DfT said it agrees buses are "an important and valued form of transport" for a substantial portion of the population.

Bus operator Stagecoach was recently praised for efforts to reduce the carbon emissions of its vehicle fleet, picking up the title of low carbon vehicle operator of the year (an award sponsored by TRL), at the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership Low Carbon Champions Awards in London earlier this month.

Posted by Nick Anderson