Bus Éireann planning to use ‘eco-driving’ to cut fuel consumption by 5%

BUS ÉIREANN hopes to drop its fuel consumption by at least 5% this year thanks to the introduction of a new driving technique called “eco-driving”.

The scheme — which reduces fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and accident rates — could save the transport company more than €1.5 million per year.

“It involves driving in a style suited to modern engine technology that includes having the vehicle in the optimum gear, ensuring the engine is in the most efficient rev. range, and watching the road farther ahead in order to anticipate changes required in vehicle speed,” the company said.

“In addition to reducing fuel consumption and vehicle emissions, eco-driving can reduce vehicle operating costs including maintenance and depreciation costs.

“An important benefit of the eco-driving technique is that it is less fatiguing for the driver.

“Customers also experience a smoother and more relaxed journey experience without any reduction in journey times.”

Bus Éireann has completed eco-driving trials in several areas of the country over the last number of months and following from these more than 250 of its drivers have been trained in the technique.

“Eco-driving and fuel monitoring could save Bus Éireann over €1.5m a year and cut our emissions so it is a priority for the company as we continue to improve efficiencies and emission levels.

“We are also currently introducing a range of further energy savings initiatives across the company to deliver environmental benefits for the country,” said Andrew McLindon, PR manager with Bus Éireann.

“These energy management initiatives are part of a range of measures that the company is introducing in conjunction with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland as part of the Government’s target of a 33% improvement in energy efficiency in the public sector by 2020.”