Skip to main content

Cars emit less CO2 per passenger km than buses

UK government emissions data shows that buses outside of London emit an average of 221g/km CO2e (CO2 equivalent) per passenger km compared to a small petrol car (201g/km), a small diesel car (172g/km) and a medium diesel car (215g/km). A car containing two people would obviously halve these figures. London buses, because of their higher average occupancy, fare better at 102g/km.
May 4, 2012 Read time: 1 min
UK government emissions data shows that buses outside of London emit an average of 221g/km CO2e (CO2 equivalent) per passenger km compared to a small petrol car (201g/km), a small diesel car (172g/km) and a medium diesel car (215g/km).  A car containing two people would obviously halve these figures. London buses, because of their higher average occupancy, fare better at 102g/km.

"Perhaps those who criticise lone car drivers should turn their attention to empty off-peak buses instead,” says Paul Biggs, environment spokesman at the Association of British Drivers. “Although buses provide an important public service, even London can only manage an average occupancy of around 15 passengers. Modern efficient cars outperform buses not just for CO2 emissions, but for genuine pollutants as well," Biggs adds.

Related Content

  • Green buses to reduce CO2
    February 20, 2012
    Up to 50,000tonnes of CO2 will be saved following UK government funding of £15 million (€17.7 million).
  • European project to develop CO2 assessment methodology for ITS
    April 26, 2012
    In a new project that began last month, Europe is taking a significant step to scientifically underpin the estimation of CO2 emissions. The project, Amitran, will develop a methodology to assess the impact of ICT (information and communication technologies) and ITS on CO2 emissions from the transport sector.
  • Connected machines boosting UK economy
    October 17, 2024
    Connected machines can help boost the UK economy.
  • Show me the money at Australian Summit
    September 4, 2012
    The question of how to finance and fund major road infrastructure projects in Australia – including the potential role of user-pays charging as a funding solution – was top of mind at the recent Roads Australia National Summit in Sydney. The two-day summit, organised by peak national body Roads Australia, is the largest and most influential annual gathering of industry decision-makers in the country. This year’s summit was held against a backdrop of concern over the future of a raft of major road projects t