In 2019, the US alone had 1.1 billion scheduled service passengers, and transportation is a major contributor to climate change. You can still enjoy tourist trips while minimizing your ecological impact. If you’re unsure about the environmental impact of options like buses, we at BestBus explain the factors that affect transportation's environmental footprint and highlight how buses help you reduce your carbon footprint.
What is Your Carbon Footprint?
Your carbon footprint represents the greenhouse gases you emit, typically measured in carbon dioxide equivalents. Small changes matter and shifting your transportation habits can significantly reduce emissions. For example, a domestic flight emits 246g of carbon equivalents, while a petrol car emits 170g, and a bus just 97g. Imagine the impact if more people made sustainable choices, inspiring those around them.
What Determines Eco-Friendly Travel?
Let’s dive into what you should focus on when evaluating the sustainability of transportation options, beyond just the carbon footprint.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emissions
CO2 Emissions are a big deal. They're often mixed up with the carbon footprint, but CO2 emissions are just about carbon dioxide, not all the other greenhouse gases.
Buses produce 53 pounds of CO2 emissions per passenger, while cars emit a staggering 178 pounds, trains release 186 pounds, and planes contribute 166 pounds. Surprisingly, in this comparison, cars produce more CO2 than planes.
Fuel Efficiency Comparison
One of the key performance indicators to consider is fuel efficiency, which refers to the distance a vehicle can cover with a specific quantity of fuel. This metric is typically quantified as passenger miles per gallon.
Keeping this in perspective, let's examine the comparative fuel efficiency of various transportation choices. Buses achieve an impressive 180 passenger miles per gallon, whereas cars, specifically SUVs, only manage 52 miles per gallon, and trains can cover 59 miles on a gallon of fuel. In contrast, planes have a lower fuel efficiency, covering just 40 miles per gallon.
Other Determiners
While fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions take the top spot as the most critical sustainability metrics, there are also other factors to consider. These include:
- Sustainability of the production processes necessary for creating the transportation infrastructure.
- Occupancy rate of the services.
- Fuel type, such as diesel or electricity for trains.
- Efficiency of the chosen route.
Choosing Bus Travel Means Reducing Your Carbon Footprint
In a world where everyone is constantly stressed and pressed for time, it's not surprising that buses aren't a popular choice for travel. But if you give it a chance, you might discover that it can take you farther than you think.
Buses can often provide a more comfortable and convenient travel experience compared to flying. You won't have to worry about rushing through airports and waiting in long lines, and most buses offer comfortable seating and air conditioning.
As we've discussed, buses excel in sustainability, boasting high fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions. However, they typically accommodate fewer passengers than trains and can contribute to road congestion.
Get Prime Seat Tickets with BestBus Now!
Are you considering bus travel for your next trip? Take advantage of our Prime buses at BestBus, offering comfortable seating, rescheduling perks, and more. Purchase your seat tickets today!