Getting from A to B
Virgin Trains | Virgin Limobikes | Marussia Virgin Racing
The challenges
Transportation as it exists right now is energy intensive and dependent on fossil fuels. Consequently it has a high carbon footprint. In addition, emissions from the transport sector damage sensitive ecosystems, agriculture and urban environments. High levels of transportation impact human health, leading to stress caused by congestion and pollution, and have led to urban sprawl making the vulnerable and less mobile sectors of society physically and socially isolated.
Our view
We need to help encourage people to move from private to public transport in order to curb the rise in transport related emissions. Our vision of the sustainable society of the future is one where people will be able to access affordable and convenient public transport. Public transport has the potential to reduce people's use of private cars and reliance on domestic flying. For trains to play a significant role in future transport needs, it is essential that it is affordable, fast and reliable as well as integrated with other forms of transport such as local buses and cycle routes. Additionally the environmental impact of train travel needs to be reduced by the on-going development of fuel-efficient trains and low carbon fuels. Virgin Trains aims to run high speed, comfortable, affordable, low-carbon options for all domestic travel needs.
Virgin's entry into Formula 1 naturally raises some important environmental challenges. Our approach has been to have a positive influence on the sport and encourage the use of certified, sustainable biofuels.
Our companies' approach
- Virgin Trains is reducing its overall energy use and carbon emissions: It continues to invest in improved train design and fuel sources to reduce its carbon footprint. For example; it has introduced regenerative braking which returns un-used electricity to the grid, it has increased energy efficiency per passenger and monitors its energy usage for each journey.
- Virgin Trains has a flagship 'Bike n Ride' scheme to promote sustainable travel for commuters and students by encouraging bike-train-bike journeys. It is also encouraging integrated travel to increase the number of people arriving at the station by bike, bus or foot.
- Virgin Trains is doing its best to make train travel a viable and affordable alternative for people and ensuring equality of mobility. It has led the industry in offering value-for-money tickets which is currently the fastest growing area of the business.
- Virgin Limobikes offers a low carbon option in London. Whilst the motorbike taxis are not as low carbon as public transport, the bikes use less fuel than cars, do not contribute to congestion and spend far less time idling in traffic and therefore have a lower impact on air pollution.
Quick facts
- Virgin Trains has recently introduced energy metering and eco-driving which have the potential to reduce traction energy use by 5-10%
- Virgin Trains aims to reduce its 'business as usual' emissions by 17,000 tonnes CO2 a year between now and the end of the franchise in 2012
- Each Pendolino train's regenerative brakes saves enough energy to power over 11,000 homes
- Virgin Trains is the first UK train company to be awarded the prestigious Kitemark stamp. It received two Kitemark stamps for its work in reducing energy consumption on trains and at stations by 19.6% year-on-year for the past three years
- 400,000 heavily discounted tickets are sold each month by Virgin Trains to encourage train travel
- Virgin Limobikes carry out annual rider training to ensure efficient use of fuel and safety.
To find out more information on what we are doing click here
Relevant articles:
Virgin Trains: Virgin Trains recognised for reduced energy consumption achievement
Virgin Trains: Virgin Trains fly the Kitemark for sustainability
Virgin Trains: Recycling is so last season darling!
Virgin Trains: Virgin Trains wins 2010 RSPCA Good Business Award
Virgin Trains: Park it! - with Virgin Trains
Virgin Trains: Virgin Trains lead the charge to sustainable transport
