Low occupancy means buses are less green, government study shows

Date: 24/10/2011

Latest government data shows that buses outside London emit more carbon per passenger than cars.

A small petrol car can emit an average of 201 grams per kilometre per passenger, whereas a bus outside the capital produces on average 221 grams per kilometre per passenger, due to low occupancy rates on most journeys.

The findings, compiled by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Department of Energy and Climate Change, show that due to an on board average of 15 people in the capital city, London buses only emit 102 grams per kilometre per passenger.

The study was carried out to encourage employers to recommend greener travel options to their employees, such as sharing lifts or taking public transport.

Additional measures have been taken by transport authorities to ensure that buses can provide lower emission travel, and in 2005 London buses began trials of a new technology to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.