Stagecoach is supporting Clean Air Day 2020

Stagecoach West Scotland was proud to support this week’s Clean Air Day, the UK’s largest air pollution campaign which it brings together communities, businesses, schools and the health sector to improve public understanding of air pollution.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Clean Air Day was a virtual campaign with event organisers working with schools, workplaces and local communities to provide digital events throughout the day.

According to the Centre for Research and Clean Air, the drastic reduction in car use seen in April, as a result of measures to tackle Covid-19, has likely saved 1,700 lives across the UK due to improved air quality. This shows that where there is the will to act differently, we can make a huge difference.

 
Stagecoach is committed to reducing its impact on the environment and improving air quality in the areas where it operates and its buses will play a key role in the Scottish Government delivering its green agenda. Effective bus networks can boost the local economy, improve traffic flow and reduce air pollution.

Every coach that Stagecoach operates has the potential to take up to 80 cars off the road. 

In 2018, Stagecoach West Scotland was the first operator to trial a fully electric bus on a rural route and has invested £5.4 million-pound in 10 high specification 460hp Euro 6 Plaxton Panorama double deck coaches, fully compliant with Glasgow's low emission zone (LEZ).

Since the LEZ was introduced in Glasgow in December 2018, Nitrogen Oxide (NOX) levels have fallen significantly, and Stagecoach’s compliance rate of 75% is a substantial increase on the standard rate of 20%. 

Stagecoach’s commitment to the environment is reflected in its partnership with Transform Scotland, which been recognised as a finalist in the Scottish Transport Awards 2020 for its campaign to encourage more people to travel by bus instead of car.

Fiona Doherty, Managing Director of Stagecoach West Scotland said: “Stagecoach is leading the way in bringing cleaner air to the towns and cities where we operate and we are a proud supporter of Clean Air Day.

“Buses are essential for connecting people with their communities, their work place and education and can help reduce congestion across the West of Scotland and improve our environmental footprint.

“It’s important that our passengers know they can travel on our services when they need to with confidence. The safety of our customers and our employees is always our top priority and our dedicated team pay special attention to the items you come into contact with such as handrails, bells, seats and poles to make sure they're regularly and thoroughly cleaned. 

“At Stagecoach we are following the latest government guidance and as face coverings are mandatory on all buses we ask all our customers, unless exempt, to please remember to bring theirs when travelling by bus.”