Buses and the Environment
In major cities, motor vehicle emissions are the main source of air pollutants, and are also a source of greenhouse gases. If you drive your car an average of 50 kilometres a day, you contribute up to 3.8 tonnes* of greenhouse gases, particulates and smog–causing pollutants, to the atmosphere every year. This pollutes the air we breathe and is a cause of respiratory health problems.
You can help reduce air pollution by taking the bus instead of your car on your next trip to work or a meeting, to shop or to visit relatives and friends. Each bus can keep up to 50 cars off the road. Imagine the reduction in pollution, noise, traffic and road congestion if every person in Sydney took just one extra bus trip a week.
Take the bus for a better environment for you and your family.
*Greenhouse emission figure based on information from the Australian Greenhouse Office.
State Transit's Contribution to Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
State Transit’s commitment to the environment is to reduce the impact of its operations and to help explain how its services can be part of the solution.
For example, advances in engine technology means that newer diesel buses have similar environmental merits to natural gas buses. Between 2007 and 2012, as part of the $250 million investment by State Transit, older buses are being replaced with new, environmentally friendly Euro 5 diesel and CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) buses.
State Transit’s new Euro 5 buses are the first in the southern hemisphere and amongst the first Euro 5 diesel buses to be introduced into the service worldwide.
During the past ten years, new diesel bus engine technology combined with exhaust emission controls have produced a significant reduction in tailpipe emissions, with up to a 90% reduction in particle emissions.
A program of fitting existing diesel buses with diesel oxidation catalysts will reduce gaseous air pollutants and particulate emissions for the remainder of their operational life.
Another example of State Transit’s contribution to reducing its carbon footprint, is the redevelopment of the Leichhardt Bus depot, which will become Australia’s first “all green” bus depot. More than 95% of buses will run on gas and the buses will be washed with recycled water.
State Transit is also piloting a "Breathe Easy" TravelTen ticket in Sydney's CBD to encourage businesses to take the bus over alternative transport, for short trips.
View our environmental fact sheet for more details on State Transit's committment to the environment.