As cities around the globe embrace greener initiatives, the transportation sector – especially bus services – is stepping up to the plate. With climate change on everyone’s mind, there’s a growing demand for sustainable solutions in public transit.
In 2022, transportation in the US accounted for the largest portion – 28 percent –of total greenhouse gas emissions. Trucks also contributed to this.
A bus typically produces around 1.3 kg CO2 per km traveled. Globally, in 2022 carbon dioxide emissions released from buses increased by 1.1 percent to 452 million metric tons.
With time, it seems that the carbon footprint of buses is only getting bigger. Hence, those operating these buses need to take action immediately and work towards decarbonization.
If you’re planning to launch a new bus service, the key to success lies in decarbonizing your fleet. Not only will this reduce your environmental footprint, but it will also help you gain the trust of eco-conscious passengers.
Here are a few ways your bus service can take charge in the fight against global warming.
Embrace Electric Buses
Electric buses are one of the most practical ways to decarbonize, and they’re becoming a popular choice for cities aiming for cleaner air. With no tailpipe emissions and a much quieter operation, electric buses are the rock stars of sustainable transit.
Electric buses happen to be cost-efficient as well. Over time, you’ll save on fuel costs, and thanks to fewer mechanical parts, maintenance expenses tend to drop as well. Plus, who doesn’t love the sound of an electric motor humming through the streets?
Besides, electric buses, at least the ones out on the streets right now, look somewhat futuristic, right? Their sleek designs help give urban areas a new look and feel. In a way, these electric buses scream futuristic and thus, there’s no reason why they should be left out of the decarbonization party.
Tap into Carbon Capture Technology for Bus Exhausts
Carbon capture technology is changing the game when it comes to managing emissions from vehicles that still rely on fossil fuels. It can be something as simple as a filter installed on the exhaust of your buses that captures CO2 before it enters the atmosphere.
Solid-state carbon capture technology is making it possible to trap harmful carbon emissions right at the source. Instead of allowing emissions from your buses to contribute to global warming, carbon capture solutions can transform it into something less harmful.
According to Atoco, capturing CO2 from car exhausts is an emerging application of carbon capture technologies. However, while industrial carbon capture tech is a huge thing right now, doing the same from vehicle exhausts is still being worked on. Hence, although a possibility, carbon capture tech still has a few challenges to overcome before it can work its magic for bus exhausts.
Solar Power for Charging Stations
Solar power offers an impressive solution to decarbonizing bus services. Invest in solar-powered charging stations and you can ensure that your electric buses are recharged with renewable energy. That, in turn, will reduce your bus service’s reliance on traditional power grids.
Once your solar panels are up and running, the cost of powering your buses is almost zero. Of course, maintenance costs are there, but those are just every once in a while and not a regular thing.
Setting up solar-powered bus charging stations can also show passengers you’re serious about your commitment to the environment.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses
Electric buses may steal the spotlight, but hydrogen fuel cell buses are the dark horse in this race toward decarbonization. While they’re still in the early stages of adoption, hydrogen buses are showing huge potential for future-proofing public transit.
These buses run on hydrogen and their only emission? Water vapor. Yes, you could quite literally have buses that only leave a trail of mist behind them.
Hydrogen fuel cells offer more than just clean emissions; they can also provide a longer driving range compared to battery-powered electric buses. This is especially handy for long routes and areas where charging stations might be sparse.
The transportation sector is in the middle of a green revolution, and bus services are at the forefront of this exciting change. By focusing on decarbonizing your upcoming bus service, you’ll be setting your business on the right track.
The journey toward sustainability may be long, but the results will be well worth the effort. After all, if the future is going to be greener, it’ll need eco-friendly and environmentally-conscious bus services to take us there.
