Bus companies find simple solution to reducing emissions
14 December 2009
While world leaders gather to debate the merits of carbon reduction in Copenhagen, UK bus operators have delivered a proven 12% reduction in fuel and carbon emissions by fitting an award winning driver training device. Developed by a UK transport technology company, EcoManager is in use by over 3,000 bus drivers across the country.
Analysts have studied the data from the last 12 months and found that across the entire driver base, an average of 12.1% saving was made on fuel and emissions. In some areas the savings were considerably higher.
By analysing the data from devices already in use, experts have predicted that companies could cut their carbon footprint through EcoManager by over 6 tonnes of CO2 for every vehicle, every year.
EcoManager was developed by engineers at 21st Century Technology Solutions and in its first year of active use it has won The UK Bus Award for Best Innovation, was shortlisted in the Route One Excellence Awards and formed part of Arriva Bus Group's carbon reduction programme that saw the bus company gain Brand Emissions Leader status.
EcoManager is an intelligent telematics device fitted to a vehicle to monitor driving styles and fuel consumption. The system provides detailed feedback to drivers to allow them to identify how they can moderate their driving style to save fuel. Management software enabled drivers to log in and see how much they have improved and ranks their performance against their colleagues. Company level reports enable comparison reports to show more global factors such as the level of improvement in passenger comfort which is also measured. The system includes an in-cab red, amber green display to alert drivers if they are driving outside of set "eco-friendly" parameters.
