Arriva and Merseytravel take bus industry Innovation Award for eco-driving initiative

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

The EcoManager system gives drivers real-time feedback through adashboard-mounted LED which runs from green through amber to redindicating fuel consumption and helping drivers adjust theirdriving style. The system, developed by Arriva together withtechnology supplier 21st Century Technology plc, also recordsengine performance data to provide feedback on driving style andfuel consumption.

Having won the support of Merseytravel, EcoManager was trialledat Arriva North West where driver training was developed to includeadvice on eco-driving techniques, avoiding harsh acceleration orbraking whenever possible and improved anticipation of changes inroad 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 2007to October 2008 saved 100,669 litres of fuel and an estimated 263tonnes of CO2.

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

“The hearts and minds part of the project includedtwo-week 'Green Garage' initiatives to raise awareness of thesignificant environmental issues facing businesses today. We usedemployee road shows, newsletters, posters and branded items to makepeople think about the difference they could personally make.

“EcoManager delivers clear environmental benefits andhelps us demonstrate to customers how they can do their bit byswitching more journeys to public transport.”

Neil Scales, chief executive and director general ofMerseytravel said: “We’re continually working toimprove the environmental credentials of public transport acrossMerseyside. The work with Arriva on EcoManager is making a realcontribution to our targets of reducing the carbon footprint ofpeople’s daily travel while encouraging people to leave thecar at home and use public transport instead.”

Following the trials in the North West, Arriva announced inApril this year that the technology and training was being rolledout across Arriva’s UK regional bus businesses with all newbuses featuring EcoManager and the system being retrofitted toexisting vehicles.

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

In 2008 Arriva set itself a challenge of reducing its greenhousegas emissions footprint by 15 per cent, like-for-like, from the2006 level by 2012.

The UK Bus Awards ceremony at London’s Park Lane Hiltonwas hosted by BBC Economics Editor, Stephanie Flanders and theprizes were presented by Anthony Smith, chief executive of consumerwatchdog Passenger Focus.

• Other Arriva successes at this year’s UK Busawards included:

Bus in the countryside – Runner up: Coast and CastlesConnection, Arriva North East
Engineer of the Year – Runner up: Phil Cummins, ArrivaYorkshire
Top national bus driver – Runner up: Patricia Taylor, ArrivaNorth East
Express operations – Runner up: Green Line 757, London toLuton Airport, Arriva the Shires
Top London bus driver – Runner up: Grantley Best, ArrivaLondon