Yorkshire bus operator earns four-star eco accolade

10th September 2013

Leading bus operator Stagecoach Yorkshire's efforts to improve local air quality have been rewarded with a four-star rating in the Care4Air ECO Stars Fleet Recognition programme.

Stagecoach has become the first transport operator in South Yorkshire to achieve the rating after being upgraded from three stars. The scheme, which was the first of its kind in the UK, recognises fleet operators who are using lower polluting vehicles and effective fuel management. Stagecoach Yorkshire, which operates services in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham, Sheffield and Chesterfield, became the first bus operator to join the programme in 2009. The company has been boosted up to four stars following an assessment of its operations and vehicles. Paul Lynch, managing director of Stagecoach Yorkshire, said: -We are extremely proud to see that our hard work and commitment to the environment has been recognised with the award of four stars. -We're delighted to be the first passenger transport operator in the region to achieve this standard, and we hope that we continue to set an example to local organisations and highlight to others the importance of investing in lower polluting vehicles. Over the past 12 months, Stagecoach has invested almost £12 million in 40 electric hybrid buses which have 30 per cent lower carbon emission than standard buses. Stagecoach has improved the fuel efficiency of its fleet of 315 vehicles and reduced carbon emissions with the use of a fuel additive, EnviroxTM, and a hi-tech GreenRoad 360 eco-driving system. New buses also use stop-start technology which means there are zero emissions when the bus is stood still. For more information about Stagecoach bus services visit www.stagecoachbus.com/yorkshire.