The Prince's Mayday Network

Translink: Going Eco

Introduction

As one of the largest companies in Northern Ireland, Translink is committed to providing integrated travel solutions that are attractive, sustainable and good value.

Translink maximises Public Transport’s positive impacts by encouraging modal shift through innovative marketing and system design; Translink’s own emissions are improved through careful energy management and targeted energy reduction projects.

Process

What and How:

Translink set out about to reduce it’s energy consumption by doing the following:

Vehicle fuel usage was reduced by 2.5% in 2009/10 (some 1 million litres) through initiatives such as eco driving training, implementation of Idle Shutdown in 600+ vehicles and a pilot of vehicle telematic systems.

Eco-driving training has been delivered to 2300 bus drivers, with a similar scheme now designed for train drivers. Staff on-the-ground have also received eco-training and are encouraged to provide suggestions, either directly via local management, or via the “Miles Better” employee suggestion scheme

In the period 2006 – 2010, Translink has removed an additional 36,000 tonnes CO2 from Northern Ireland’s emissions through increasing patronage on Public Transport. This has been achieved through various innovative marketing initiatives, successfully targeting modal shift from private car use to public transport. Two notable campaigns were Switch to Efficiency” (launched March 2009), followed by “go eco”.

Providing quality public transport together with innovative marketing and technology delivers results and importantly a return on public investment, helping to change attitudes and behaviour and deliver modal shift away from the private car – ultimately helping to make an impact on climate change.

Impact

Environmental

• In 2009/10 Translink used 31,061 MWh of energy (excluding vehicle fuel). This represented a 4% reduction in energy use over 2008/09 figures
• Gross carbon emissions for Translink during 2009/10 were 114,433 Tonnes CO2. This is a decrease of 3% on 2008/09.

Cost Savings

• They saved £270,000, continuing a 3 year downward trend as a direct result of several energy management initiatives.
• Fuel savings in 6 months of £19,000 from the vehicle telematic pilot where 23 buses were fitted for £2000.
• Fuel savings of £80,000 in 2009/10 from idle Shutdown and eco driving training to bus drivers.

Business Benefits

• Bus drivers trained through the CPC scheme in eco driving techniques gave feedback that they are more relaxed during their working day and especially at rush hour periods. This has improved driver motivation.
• Increased sales due to increased patronage on public transport:
• Over 30% growth in Translink Metro (bus) patronage from service began in 2005.
• Over 70% growth in Translink NI Railways patronage since 2002 – exceeding targets 4 years early.