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

  • Improved UK road safety required
    July 19, 2012
    Recent increases in road fatalities should be a wake-up call for the UK Government to step up and provide stronger leadership on road safety, say members of parliament in a report examining the Government's Strategic Framework for Road Safety.
  • IRF recommends action for greener roads
    July 4, 2012
    IRF's 2nd International Conference on Roads and Environment reveals how to make roads greener, cleaner and healthier, and follows through with action recommendations IRF's Conference in Geneva on 10-11 November, 2008 put three issues in sharp focus: innovative materials to save energy and other resources, inspiring solutions for water management; an integrated approach to noise and air pollution; and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions monitoring, accounting and offsetting. Some 140 delegates from 36 countries l
  • Decarbonising off-highway machines in Europe
    June 5, 2025
    CECE and CEMA are issuing a joint statement on decarbonising off-highway machines in Europe.
  • Aggregate Industries opens second Manchester concrete plant
    September 12, 2019
    Aggregate Industries has opened its second ready mix concrete plant in Greater Manchester, England. The company says the move has been made to cater to rapidly growing demand in the area. The new high-capacity site – located just off the M56 in Wythenshawe – is situated between Manchester city centre and Manchester Airport. Aggregates Industries says both areas are currently undergoing a high volume of significant improvement works that require an extensive amount of concrete, including the constructi