Since the rollout of its electric strategy in 2018, Stagecoach, parent of Hull bus operator, Stagecoach East Midlands, has announced that it has achieved a reduction of 50,230 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions.
The move is part of Stagecoach’s plan to have a zero tail-pipe emission fleet by 2035. Since the start of its environmental strategy, the operator has seen an operational carbon reduction that is equivalent to taking around 34,000 average UK cars off the road for a full year.
Matt Cranwell, Managing Director of Stagecoach East Midlands, said: “The conversation around public transport is changing. It’s no longer just about getting from A to B, it’s about the impact we have on the way.
“This is the ‘modern choice’ in action. Today’s buses are maintained by highly skilled professionals to deliver smoother acceleration and braking, and a more comfortable ride, even in traffic. For passengers reading a book, scrolling on your phone, or simply watching the world go by, the journey has never been as refined.
“The work done by our team does not just reduce emissions; it is upgrading the entire travel experience. It’s smoother, it’s quieter, and it simply feels better.”
Since April 2022, Stagecoach has also committed to purchasing 100% renewable electricity for its operations – this measure alone has seen annual reductions of approximately 10,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions.
Additional sustainability measures include the company’s increased use of biofuels.
The shift to a reduced carbon fleet and enhanced passenger experience is backed by significant infrastructure investment. Since 2021, Stagecoach has invested more than £500 million across its UK route network.
This commitment to sustainability recently earned Stagecoach an ‘A-‘ leadership rating from CDP for climate disclosure, placing it in the top 6% of road transport businesses globally. In 2023 Stagecoach proudly became the first UK bus and coach operator to join the United Nations Global Compact, underscoring its dedication to universal sustainability principles.