Why coaches are the unsung sustainability superheroes of our roads

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Like many people, I’d reduced coach travel in my mind to a simple caricature of “Dave’s Coaches” a la Gavin and Stacey, rammed with pensioners on a Turkey ‘n’ Tinsel weekender in Rhyl, all swaying to the mocking yet affectionate tones of The Divine Comedy’s National Express. “And it’s pretty easy to see how much more efficient they are than cars: average car occupancy in cities is roughly 1.3 people and each car will use a gallon of fuel every 30 miles; coach occupancy is around 40, using a gallon of fuel every 10 miles.” With average carbon dioxide emissions per coach passenger per journey around 1.5 times lower than rail, five times lower than air, and six times lower than car travel, he’s got a point. Festival fare John Boughton of National Express is another insider queuing up to share the industry’s green credentials: “The fact that travelling by coach is greener than rail travel is something that the man on the street just doesn’t realise,” the commercial director explains. “Coaches have moved on,” concludes John: “If you get on a coach now, it’s new, comfortable, with lovely leather seats, wifi, and a USB charging point for your phone – it’s an experience.