Greyhound Australia has once again proven its standing as an industry leader in green travel with its recent environmental innovation win at the Queensland Bus Industry Council (QBIC) awards.
Chief Executive Officer Robert Thomas said Greyhound was thrilled to win the accolade and pleased the company’s environmental efforts were being recognised within the industry.
“Greyhound Australia prides itself on being one of the most environmentally efficient travel operators in the nation and are constantly working to find further ways to reduce our carbon footprint on the planet,” Mr Thomas said.
“Greyhound is committed to implementing environmental change through a number of different ways.
“One of our most impressive green initiatives is the partnership we have formed with Cleaner Climate, a global carbon solutions company, where we encourage travellers to ‘go green’ when booking their travel.
“For just $1 extra per booking travellers can feel confident their journey is having a reduced impact on the environment, with the additional money being invested in Cleaner Climate’s international renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.
“So far there has been an amazing take up rate of the Green Dollar program by Greyhound customers, which is great to see and demonstrates people will support worthwhile environmental initiatives.
“Cleaner Climate is also completing a Carbon Footprint Analysis for Greyhound and developing a comprehensive Carbon Management Plan over 3 years to manage, reduce and report operational emissions in terminals, call centres and head office.”
Mr Thomas said regular coach upgrading and investment in a state-of-the-art coach fleet is another way Greyhound ensures its services are environmentally efficient.
“Greyhound has invested millions of dollars in brand new Scania coaches which are more fuel efficient and are built to one of the highest European standards. These new coaches offer smoother performance and greatly reduced gas exhaust pollutants,” he said.
“In addition to buying new coaches we also ensure we retire our old coaches sooner, lowering CO2 emissions as the older coaches have a higher rate of fuel consumption and also require increased ongoing repairs.
“Greyhound Australia also uses, where available, BP 10ppm diesel – the cleanest fuel available in Australia.
“We have also employed a dedicated Environment Resource Officer who is responsible for such tasks as environmental audits of all Greyhound sites, regular review of internal environmental policies, liaison with internal staff and external groups such as the EPA and local governments and also working closely with Cleaner Climate.”
Studies have shown that coach travel is not only a cost effective and hassle free way of travelling, it is also a more environmentally conscious way to see the country.
Mr Thomas said when compared to jet aircraft, studies have shown one full coach has five times less CO2 emissions per passenger per kilometre on the same route.
“Just one full Greyhound coach also means there are at least 16 fewer cars on the road”, he said.
Greyhound is one of the oldest travel operators in the county, having been safely transporting passenger for over 100 years and is now the only national coach company operating in Australia, after the acquisition of companies such as McCafferty’s, Pioneer and Bus Australia.
For further information on Greyhounds Travel Green program please visit or call1300 GREYHOUND (1300 473 946).
Media Contact:
Kara Stanton at Sequel Communications on (07) 3251 8139 or 0405 090 915