Greener Journeys
CDC is committed to delivering transport innovation that reduces the emissions and the fuel consumption of our fleet. We strive to reduce the carbon footprint of each and every journey across our network.
We make ongoing investments in new vehicles to reduce our emissions and we support ongoing research into alternate fuels and green technology.
In Australia, CDC already operates hybrid buses and hybrid taxis, with Swan Taxis trialling electric taxis in Perth, and in London, we operate electric buses and hybrid buses. In Singapore, we operate hybrid buses, hybrid taxis and electric taxis and we are trialling electric buses.
In shaping a better future we’re committed to the roll-out of cleaner, quieter and less polluting vehicles. Worldwide green vehicles will continue to grow and eventually make up the majority of our over 41,600 vehicle fleet in years to come.
Hybrid Buses
Compared to conventional diesel buses, hybrid buses consume up to 30% less fuel and produce 50% less emissions. The hybrid ride is also quieter and smoother.
CDC has Australia’s largest eco-friendly bus fleet of 45 hybrids demonstrating our strong focus on sustainability and innovation. By 2022, 50 hybrids will be in service across our Melbourne metropolitan bus routes. In London, hybrid buses make up more than 45% of Metroline’s fleet of close to 1,600 buses.
The bonus when transitioning our bus fleet from gas and diesel to hybrids is that it can be done immediately without the need for additional infrastructure. The local automotive industry also wins with all body manufacture and fit outs for our hybrid buses completed domestically.
The recent launch of Volvo’s Zone Management, powered by geofencing technology and telematics, revolutionises and optimises CDC’s hybrid buses to operate exclusively in electric drive mode and achieve zero emissions within designated zone. This not only contributes to a greener, more sustainable network, but also improve customer experience.
In Australia, CDC operates 45 hybrid buses. Internationally ComfortDelGro operates more than 700 hybrid buses in the United Kingdom and more than 25 hybrid buses in Singapore.
Electric Buses
Globally, ComfortDelGro is at the forefront of energy transition and is committed to the expansion of an environmentally friendly fleet.
Electric buses have less vibration, less noise and zero emissions. A win for the environment. A win for public health.
ComfortDelGro’s subsidiary, Metroline worked closely on prototype trials with automotive engineers to develop an electric bus that would help keep London’s air cleaner with zero emissions. After successfully launching the world’s first all-electric, zero emission double deck bus in London in 2018, they now have a fleet of 23 single deck on Route 46 and 68 double deck electric buses in operation on Route 43 and Route 134, transporting around 22.4 million people across the city each year.
“We’re committed to reducing emissions from London’s buses and making routes 43 and 134 exclusively electric is an important step to a zero-emission fleet. Buses are crucial to reduce Londoners’ reliance on cars, and with this landmark order it means the largest pure electric double-deck bus fleet in Europe will help reduce emissions across the capital. Electric buses are good for air quality and improve the customer experience, with less noise and fewer vibrations, all creating a more comfortable journey.” Claire Mann, Director of Buses – Transport for London
With a daily mileage range in excess of 250km, the all-electric buses are only recharged at night when local demand for electricity is at its lowest. With the UK drawing 33% of its power from renewable sources, the buses’ already impressive green credentials will continue to become more sustainable with each passing year.
Electric buses are especially well suited to city routes where buses can regularly return to a central depot to recharge, and they don’t operate over long ranges. At the moment, power grid upgrades and significant charging infrastructure requirements present a challenge to adoption of electric buses en masse.
Internationally, ComfortDelGro operates over 90 electric buses in the United Kingdom and will be trialling 30 electric buses in Singapore.
Hybrid Taxis
ComfortDelGro is passionate about exploring sustainable solutions that tackle transport emissions. We know taxis and globally, we have a fleet of over 29,000 taxis.
Being in the land transport business, improving energy efficiency is a priority. This is especially important given the amount of time our vehicles spend on the road. Most of our taxis run almost non-stop operating dual shifts.
A hybrid vehicle consumes less fuel and emits less carbon dioxide than a comparable conventional petrol or diesel-engine vehicle. The hybrid ride is also quieter for customer’s comfort while contributing to a greener environment.
Above and beyond the inherent green credentials of hybrid vehicles, there is also a benefit from lower fuel consumption, reducing running costs and improved earnings.
Across Australia, we operate more than 800 hybrid taxis. In Singapore, ComfortDelGro operates more than 4,600 hybrid taxis and in China, more than 4300 hybrid taxis.
Electric Taxis
Game changing is what we do. Every day, we invest in trialling new transport models to drive better, more sustainable outcomes.
Electric vehicles run on electricity and plug-in rechargeable batteries making them emission free and greener than diesel and hybrid alternatives.
In Singapore, we completed some promising trials with electric taxis and currently have four electric taxis in service. With direct current fast charging capabilities, these taxis can be fully charged within an hour and boast a range of 350 km.
In Perth, Swan Taxis initiated Australia’s first electric vehicle taxi trial of two Hyundai Ioniqs in 2019.