Arriva Yorkshire first to secure five star Eco rating

Arriva Yorkshire has become the first bus operator in England to secure a five star Eco Stars rating after signing up to City of York Council’s York Eco Stars fleet recognition scheme.

Arriva has signed up 15 of their vehicles that operate in the York area to the scheme. This means that 45 operators are now part of the scheme with nearly 3000 vehicles signed up and individually assessed.

The ECO Stars (Efficient and Cleaner Operations) Fleet Recognition Scheme helps York’s fleet operators gain recognition for their commitment to improving efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and reducing emissions – all helping to improve local air quality.

The scheme awards each member a star rating based on an assessment of how ‘clean’ their vehicle fleet is and how they demonstrate good practice in key areas of:

• Fuel management
• Developing driver skills
• Vehicle specification and maintenance
• Use of IT support systems
• Fleet performance monitoring

Key to the ECO Stars scheme is the bespoke ‘road map’, an action plan developed for each new member to help them take steps to improve their star rating. The ‘road map’ will highlight any issues and advise members on how to combat them, such as alternative fuel or technology that is available.

Cllr Dave Merrett, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, planning and Sustainability, said: “We are striving to improve air quality in York and help to cut the impact it can cause on both people and the environment. The Eco Stars scheme is just one of the ways in which we are doing this. It can also help businesses to make real savings as the running of vehicles can be lowered by up to £2,300 per vehicle by cutting fuel consumption.”

Morag White, ECO Stars Fleet Consultant said, “The ECO Stars team were really impressed with the quality of Arriva’s vehicles together with their sound environmental and fuel management procedures. They have invested heavily in both driver training and telematics systems designed to enhance environmental performance. A 5 Star rating for a bus operator is a real accolade – among the first to be awarded since ECO Stars began in 2009”.

Nigel Featham, regional managing director for Arriva Yorkshire, said: “We are delighted to be involved with the Eco Star initiative and we are extremely proud to have been awarded 5 stars. Our employees work hard to ensure they provide the very best service for our customers, and we are continuously investing in driver training and telematics systems to further improve our efficiencies. At Arriva we realise the importance of creating a sustainable future for the communities we serve.”

For more information on the Eco Stars fleet recognition scheme please visit www.york.gov.uk/ecostars