Massey free bus service rides into top energy awards
28 October 2007
Massey University’s Free Bus service has been selected as a finalist in the country’s top energy savings awards.
The two-year-old scheme has almost halved car traffic to the university’s campus and is cutting almost 2000 cars a day from Palmerston North’s busy Fitzherbert Avenue.
About 500,000 passengers use the bus each year and the service is estimated to be reducing vehicle CO2 emissions by up to 1/3 of a tonne a day.
The service’s success has seen it selected as a finalist for the Public Sector Award at the EECA 2007 Energywise Awards – the country’s top energy efficiency honours.
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) chief executive Mike Underhill says Massey University’s scheme shows the day to day benefits of putting energy efficiency principles to work.
“A free bus scheme seems simple but it demonstrates how a little smart thinking about practical alternatives can make a real difference.
“Transport accounts for 43 percent of our energy use, and programmes like this are to be applauded. They bring real savings in fuel and roading bills and also for the environment,” Mr Underhill says.
“The New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy, released today, sets some bold targets –including halving per capita transport emissions by 2040. To get there we are going to need to follow Massey’s lead and make smart decisions about transport.”
The bus service, which started out as a trial two years ago, has proved so popular that it’s been extended for another five years.
The Ministry for the Environment is sponsoring the Public Sector section of the EECA Energywise Award and general manager, Todd Krieble says the calibre of entries this year is inspiring.
“It confirms my belief that by sharing ideas about energy efficiency and environmental best practice we will see change happen faster throughout New Zealand,” Mr Krieble says.
ENDS.
For further information contact: Janice Rodenburg. EECA Senior Communications Advisor on 04 470 2545 or 021 705 301
Or
Ken McKwen, Campus Transport Plan Co-ordinator, Massey University. 06 350 5034
