Move News - October 2024
Taking a break from “spooky season”, our latest news round up highlights some of the latest steps taken in the world of mobility and sustainability. We look at new corporate partnerships across the continent of Europe, new investments in sustainable transport and the impacts of the UK’s new budget. Let’s dive in…?
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East West Railway to Electrify UK Rail Thanks to New Budget:?
With fresh backing from the latest Budget, East West Railway Company is advancing its vision for a sustainable rail line connecting Oxford and Cambridge—a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” for low-emission regional transport. As part of the UK’s commitment to net-zero by 2050, the project will transition from diesel to hybrid battery-electric trains via discontinuous electrification, minimising construction impact and preserving the character of sensitive landscapes.??
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced full funding to support this project, which aligns with the UK's push to expand rail electrification—currently only 38% of the national network. East West Rail’s ten-week consultation, starting 14 November, will invite public input on this electrification approach and other project features, ensuring that the line reflects the needs and values of the communities it will serve.?
David Hughes, East West Rail’s CEO, highlighted the project’s potential to connect communities, enhance access to jobs and education, and contribute to the UK’s low-carbon transition. “This consultation is a pivotal moment to build a positive legacy for future generations,” he said, calling on stakeholders to shape the railway’s role in fostering sustainable growth across the Oxford-Cambridge corridor.?
?SOURCE: edie ?
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Opinion Split on Bus Fare cap in new UK Budget:?
The Big Lemon, a bus company based in Brighton, has voiced strong opposition to the government's decision to raise the bus fare cap to ￡3, describing it as a “regressive step for sustainable transport.” CEO Tom Druitt highlighted concerns that this fare increase, which was announced in the recent autumn Budget and will remain in effect until the end of 2025, could dissuade passengers from choosing buses over other modes of transportation—an outcome that runs counter to the government's objectives in the context of a climate emergency.?
In introducing the new fare cap, The Prime Minister explained that it extends the previous ￡2 fare scheme, which was only funded through 2024. Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced nearly ￡1 billion in additional funding for local authorities and bus operators, aimed at protecting and enhancing bus services across the country.?
While The Big Lemon warns of the potential negative impacts on passengers who depend on affordable transport, other providers like Brighton and Hove Buses have welcomed the fare increase. Nick Hill, commercial director at Brighton and Hove Buses, expressed support for the continued funding, looking forward to the details on how these changes will improve services for the community.?
?Source: The Argus ?
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CESPA and Trucksters Bring Renewable Diesel to Trucking?
In a forward-looking partnership for sustainable transport, Cepsa has teamed up with Trucksters, the logistics operator covering DHL’s European routes, to power their fleets with 100% renewable diesel (HVO). Serving key routes between northern Spain and countries including Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Poland, this collaboration marks a significant step toward decarbonising long-haul road transport across Europe.?
Produced from used cooking oils at Cepsa’s La Rábida Energy Park, HVO offers an immediate solution to reducing CO? emissions by up to 90% over its lifecycle without needing any modifications to existing diesel engines. Cedric Vigneau, Cepsa’s Director of Fleets & CRT, highlighted the company’s dedication to sustainable mobility: “We are committed to making it easier for our customers to decarbonise through tailored solutions that meet their needs.” This partnership reflects both Cepsa’s and Trucksters’ shared vision of a low-carbon future, delivering impactful change along critical European transport corridors.?
Source: Mobility Plaza ?
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First Bus Announces ￡30 Million Investment to Electrify Bus Depots??
First Bus is making significant strides with a ￡30 million investment to electrify bus depots in Basildon, Minehead, and Taunton. This initiative follows a previous ￡59 million project focused on two depots in the West of England.?
Once completed, First Bus will operate approximately 800 pure electric buses across five depots, in partnership with Heliox to implement rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. This collaboration previously launched the UK’s largest electric bus depot in Glasgow.?
The total investment for these projects amounts to ￡89 million, supported by a ￡16 million grant from the UK Government’s ZEBRA 2 scheme. Faizan Ahmad, First Bus’s decarbonisation programme director, emphasised that these efforts will significantly enhance air quality and improve the passenger experience. First Bus aims to transition its entire UK fleet to zero-emission models by 2035, aligning with the broader commitment to sustainable transportation.?
Source: edie ?
Stellantis MEA Endorses “La Croisière Verte” with Electric Citro?n AMIs??
Stellantis Middle East & Africa (MEA) is backing “La Croisière Verte,” an ambitious 14,000-kilometre journey across Africa featuring four fully electric Citro?n AMIs. Organised by entrepreneur and former rally driver éric Vigouroux, this expedition marks the 100th anniversary of André Citro?n’s iconic “Croisière Noire” and highlights a commitment to sustainable mobility.?
The journey began in Ouarzazate, Morocco, where the AMIs are manufactured, showcasing their compact and energy-efficient design. Equipped with onboard solar kits, the vehicles can generate their own power, demonstrating the potential of micro-mobility in diverse environments.?
?Stellantis is focused on promoting clean and accessible mobility throughout the Middle East and Africa, particularly through its Kenitra plant in Morocco. This facility produces various electric micro-mobility vehicles, including the Citro?n AMI, Opel Rocks-e, and Fiat Topolino, aimed at addressing the growing demand for sustainable transport solutions in the region.?
With over 65,000 AMIs sold across 17 countries, Morocco now boasts the largest Citro?n AMI fleet globally, including 225 vehicles deployed for postal services in collaboration with ‘Poste Maroc.’ As “La Croisière Verte” progresses, it highlights Stellantis MEA’s commitment to innovative and sustainable transportation options for the future.?
Source: Africa.com ?
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Norsepower Advances Wind Power with Rotor Sail Retrofits?
Norsepower is enhancing the feasibility of wind-assisted ship propulsion (WASP) technologies by retrofitting older vessels with its Rotor Sails. Recent installations have surged as operators seek fuel and emissions savings.??
In a pioneering project, Norsepower has completed its first “recycled retrofit,” transferring a Rotor Sail from one ship to another. This sustainable approach demonstrates the potential for reusing components, thus reducing the need for new manufacturing.?
CEO Heikki P?ntynen highlighted the potential for a resale market for Rotor Sails, enabling ship owners to lease the technology, which could improve the economic feasibility of upgrading ageing vessels.?
The retrofit process is relatively straightforward, requiring only minor adjustments. As Norsepower aims to standardise its Rotor Sail product and develop optimisation software, the company’s new factory in Dafeng, China, is set to produce 50-60 units annually. This innovation not only supports the decarbonisation of shipping but also paves the way for a secondary market for reusable sailing technology.?
Source: Seatrade Maritime News ?
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Today’s News Round Up reflects not only a growing corporate appetite for sustainable travel but also signals a commitment from the government to encourage businesses and individuals alike. We all have our own part to play in this journey, take your first step towards conscious travel today with TripShift!??
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