With a low carbon footprint, low fares, and direct links to the whole of the UK, we’re here to champion coach travel as part of building a greener future.
We believe there is no plan(et) B, and part of our mission at Compare My Coach is to help make our country more sustainable by promoting the benefits of shared travel. In this article, we look at how we do that and share our vision.
How does coach travel support a greener environment?
There are a number of ways in which coach travel can help create a greener environment, and contribute to our net zero goals.
More coaches = fewer cars = less CO2e Car travel is far from energy efficient. Even with the growth in the popularity of electric cars, the individual cost of car travel is far higher than that of shared (coaches, buses, trains) travel. The 402 miles from London to Edinburgh would create 0.11 metric tonnes of CO2e if completed by an average car, and just 0.06 metric tonnes if travelled by coach (thank you, carbon footprint calculator). A reduction of 45%!
More coaches = less congestion The numbers above show the average amount of CO2e emissions for a journey, but these figures can be further affected if travelling in congested traffic. A report conducted as part of London's congestion charge suggested interesting results. On average, a single coach can take up to 50 cars off the road. Travelling by coach further supports the environment by reducing congestion, plus, as a little side benefit, we all get to where we are going faster, AND help to improve air quality. So many wins.
Zero-emission coaches - the future present of coach travel Want to offset your carbon footprint even more? Zero emission coach hire is now an option. Whilst the technology is still developing, electric coaches are capable of completing journeys of up to 200 miles (at the time of writing). They can further help us to reduce our carbon footprint.
How important is Eco in your coach hire?
Very - I'd happily pay more knowing our service was green
Somewhat - It's a nice to have
It isn't - other things are a priority for me
Coach travel vs rail
Coaches and trains both offer a more eco-friendly approach to transport vs cars. But why choose coach over rail travel? Trains may offer a more luxurious experience, coach travel has several advantages that make it a more practical and cost-effective option for many people.
Affordability: One of the biggest benefits of coach travel is its affordability. Coach tickets are often significantly cheaper than train tickets, making them a more accessible option for people on a budget. Additionally, many coach companies offer discounts and promotions, further reducing the cost of travel.
Flexibility: Another advantage of coach travel is its flexibility. Coach routes are typically more extensive than train routes, allowing travellers to reach a wider range of destinations. Coaches also offer more frequent departures, providing travellers with more options for planning their trips. Additionally, coaches are often able to make stops along the way to pick up and drop off passengers, making it a convenient option for travellers who need to make connections.
Environmentally friendly: Coach travel is also more environmentally friendly than rail travel. Coaches typically use less fuel and produce fewer emissions than trains, making them a more sustainable mode of transportation. This is especially important for long-distance trips, where the environmental impact of travel can be significant.
Overall, coach travel offers a cost-effective and convenient alternative to rail travel. With its affordability, flexibility, environmental friendliness, and comfort, coach travel is a great option for travellers looking to explore new destinations without breaking the bank.
Other ways to be Eco-Friendly
Changing our travel habits can be a significant contributor to a greener future. The answer doesn't lie solely in shared travel; travel via bike and foot where possible/practical can also contribute to net zero targets. Other ways to be eco-friendly include:
Invest in energy-efficient technology Switching to energy-efficient appliances will not only reduce energy consumption, but it will also help to reduce your energy bills (or alternatively, fixing old appliances as opposed to replacing them). Using LED lighting, switching to an air fryer, and turning off electricals when they're not in use can make a surprisingly significant difference.
Consider your transport We’ve already looked at the benefits of shared travel, but did you know there are other ways your transport decisions can affect the climate? Having your weekly shop delivered is an often overlooked way of taking cars off the road. There's also the side benefit of buying less, resulting in less waste.
Find ways to recycle Whether composting (and/or reducing food waste), reducing plastic usage where possible, or recycling materials that can be reused, recycling helps build towards a greener future.
Grow your own Whether you’re growing food or trees, planting can help create an ecologically sustainable environment. In addition to this, grown food is done locally, helping to reduce unnecessary transport costs.
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