Stagecoach Trials GreenRoad Driver System to Improve Safety, Fuel Efficiency and Emissions

By David Ripstein - CEO

Stagecoach Trials GreenRoad Driver System to Improve Safety, Fuel Efficiency and Emissions

  • Hi-tech driver behaviour aid can reduce accident rates by more than 50%
  • System proven to reduce fuel costs and carbon emissions by average of 7%

London, 5 August 2008 – Stagecoach has launched a six-month trial of a hi-tech in-cab driver system to improve safety, reduce fuel costs and cut carbon emissions.

The initiative has been launched in partnership with GreenRoad Technologies, a leading driver safety company.

Research has found that GreenRoad Safety Center can reduce accident rates by more than 50% and reduce fuel costs and CO2 emissions by an average of 7%.

The system improves driver behaviour behind the wheel through an in-vehicle sensor monitoring up to 120 driving manoeuvres, such as speed, braking, acceleration lane handling and turning.

Data is sent in a continuous stream to GreenRoad’s web server and analysed, providing information about a driver’s performance. Instant feedback is given to the driver using red, amber and green lights on the dashboard and optional SMS or email messaging.

Fleet managers and drivers can also access a password-protected web site to review an individual’s driving skills and see recommendations for improvement.

The Stagecoach trial will cover 60 vehicles and more than 100 drivers on the company’s bus network in Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria with the support of local trade union representatives.

Les Warneford, Managing Director of Stagecoach UK Bus, said: “Safety is our top priority. We have a good safety record, but we are committed to further improvement and the trial of this new technology will help improve the skills of our drivers to make our operations even safer.

“Public transport is the greener, smarter way to travel, and we are also working hard to reduce our own carbon footprint. With the continuing high price of oil, more than ever there is a real incentive to follow fuel efficient driving techniques. As well as reducing carbon emissions, it can save money and allow us to invest more in improvements for passengers.”

Aidan Rowsome, Vice President, GreenRoad EMEA, said: “As driving becomes more expensive, buses are becoming a more popular option for consumers in the UK.

“Stagecoach has already shown leadership by taking measures to improve its eco-credentials, and with GreenRoad it is going even further by reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions – all while ensuring a more comfortable ride for passengers.”

Stagecoach invests millions of pounds each year in the training of its driving team and, over the past two years, hundreds of employees have completed a Safe, Skilled and Fuel Efficient Driving programme.

The course, which is externally certificated by the Scottish Qualifications Authority and involves both classroom theory and practical driving, is similar to an advanced driving test.

From September 2008, Stagecoach will launch a programme to ensure all of the company’s 13,500 drivers complete the course as part of a Certificate of Professional Competence.

Stagecoach Group is continuing a major drive to make its own business more sustainable and attract more people to travel by bus, coach, train and tram.

The Group’s wide-ranging strategy includes investment in renewable fuels and cleaner engines, state-of-the-art energy efficient facilities, water and waste recycling initiatives and offering businesses green travel incentives for their employees.

Stagecoach Group

Stagecoach Group is a leading international public transport group, with extensive operations in the UK, United States and Canada. The company employs 30,000 people, and operates bus, coach, rail, and tram services.
Connecting communities in more than 100 towns and cities, Stagecoach is one of UK’s biggest bus and coach operators. The company runs around 7,000 vehicles from Devon in south-west England to the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, carrying around 2 million passengers every day.

Stagecoach services cover many of the UK’s major cities, including Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Sheffield, Hull, Oxford and Cambridge, as well as key shire towns and rural areas.  For further information, go to www.stagecoachbus.com

About GreenRoad

GreenRoad provides a single, comprehensive telematics solution to both change driver behavior and manage fleet performance and efficiency. Its solution engages drivers directly for meaningful, lasting behavior change. At the same time, fleet tracking, mapping and reporting help fleets optimize their daily and strategic operations. To GreenRoad customers this means increased safety and customer satisfaction and reduced operating costs for a clear competitive advantage.

For more information please contact:

Dr. Ursula Ron
Online Marketing Manager
ursula.ron www.greenroad.com

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