Arriva Group launches new Zero Emission Institute

Credit: Arriva Group

Arriva Group has announced that it is launching a new Zero Emission Institute, which will be led by a team of experts in fleet planning, to accelerate its journey to net-zero in partnership with cities and regions.

The institute will be a central hub of knowledge and expertise for passenger transport authorities (PTAs) and for Arriva’s business units, sharing pan-European experience and best practice in the roll-out of alternative fuels and transitioning fleets to zero emissions. This will help to build longer term decarbonisation strategies alongside town and city transport authorities.

Anne Hettinga, Arriva Group Board Member and Managing Director of the Netherlands, said: “This is a great moment for Arriva as it allows us to consolidate all of our expertise under one virtual roof. I feel proud of everything that’s been achieved already, but now we must look to accelerate decarbonisation in Europe and passenger transport will be critical for this.”

In order to build Arriva’s internal expertise and knowledge of the latest emerging technologies, the Zero Emission Institute plans to forge relationships and partnerships with a number of external organisations. Partnerships will include green energy companies, academic institutions, technological innovators, engineers, vehicle designers and manufacturers.

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Matt Greener, Zero Emission Institute Director, said: “Sustainable passenger transport solutions are a critical component of the journey to net-zero and partnership will be the key to achieving this. Governments, local authorities, operators, manufacturers, academics, engineers and energy providers will need to come together to innovate and solve challenges to ensure a faster transition.”

Arriva has set up the institute to support its vision to help shape a future where passenger transport is the best choice. To achieve this, partnership and clear government policies that encourage people to use public transport are essential. Modal shift to public transport will make a significant difference in the journey to decarbonisation by reducing car use, which in turn reduces emissions in towns and cities. At the same time, adopting cleaner and greener fuel technology will ensure public transport makes its contribution to the EU’s goal to become climate neutral by 2050.

While Arriva already operates zero-emission vehicles in most of its European countries, utilising electric and hydrogen technologies, it also operates vehicles using alternative fuels, such as biofuels, including hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO), biodiesel (RME) and biogas (biomethane). These alternative fuels enable significant reductions in emissions while longer term decarbonisation strategies take shape.

As part of its work, the Zero Emission Institute will also analyse the full lifecycle costs of vehicles and environmental impacts to tackle the necessary transformation of public transport networks, making them more sustainable and more affordable. The initial focus will be on bus fleet transition, but the institute will also be responsible for trains, buildings and processes.