Arriva doing well despite the recession

A project between Arriva and Merseytravel, giving the green light to fuel efficient driving and cutting exhaust emissions, has won the Innovation Award at the 2009 UK Bus Awards.

The EcoManager system gives drivers real-time feedback through a dashboard-mounted LED which runs from green through amber to red indicating fuel consumption and helping drivers adjust their driving style. The system, developed by Arriva together with technology supplier 21st Century Technology plc, also records engine performance data to provide feedback on driving style and fuel consumption.

Having won the support of Merseytravel, EcoManager was trialled at Arriva North West where driver training was developed to include advice on eco-driving techniques, avoiding harsh acceleration or brakingwhenever possible and improved anticipation of changes in road or traffic conditions to ensure optimum fuel efficiency.

The trial saw fuel economy improvements of up to 12 per cent, three times the target set at the outset. The trial from May 2007 to October 2008 saved 100,669 litres of fuel and an estimated 263 tonnes of CO2.

Arriva North West managing director Phil Stone said: “One of the most rewarding things about EcoManager has been the enthusiastic way it has been embraced by our drivers – something recognised by the UK Bus Awards judges. The innovative technology is a great support but it’s the people who have been the real key to making this a success.

“The hearts and minds part of the project included two-week ‘Green Garage’ initiatives to raise awareness of the significant environmental issues facing businesses today. We used employee road shows, newsletters, posters and branded items to make people think about the difference they could personally make.

“EcoManager delivers clear environmental benefits and helps us demonstrate to customers how they can do their bit by switching more journeys to public transport.”

Neil Scales, chief executive and director general of Merseytravel said: “We’re continually working to improve the environmental credentials of public transport across Merseyside. The work with Arriva on EcoManager is making a real contribution to our targets of reducing the carbon footprint of people’s daily travel while encouraging people to leave the car at home and use public transport instead.”

Following the trials in the North West, Arriva announced in April this year that the technology and training was being rolled out across Arriva’s UK regional bus businesses with all new buses featuring EcoManager and the system being retrofitted to existing vehicles.

A similar system is being adopted in Arriva’s 2,300 strong bus fleet in Sweden and Denmark by the end of the year.

In 2008 Arriva set itself a challenge of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions footprint by 15 per cent, like-for-like, from the 2006 level by 2012.

The UK Bus Awards ceremony at London‘s Park Lane Hilton was hosted by BBC Economics Editor, Stephanie Flanders and the prizes were presented by Anthony Smith, chief executive of consumer watchdog Passenger Focus.