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Improving local air quality in
our towns and cities through cleaner fleets, innovation and data-driven
decisions
The
business imperative
We recognise
that air quality profoundly impacts the health and wellbeing of our
communities. We actively support the development of convenient and
cost-effective public transport systems that prioritise modal shift and
low-emission vehicles. Furthermore, we are looking to improve our own vehicle
fleet. Through contract renewals and planned fleet replacements, we aim to
minimise our harmful air emissions.
Commitments
and policies
Our Group
Environment Policy governs our approach to the environment including air
quality and is applicable to all FirstGroup operations. In addition, our
various divisions also have their own environmental policies that are bespoke
to their operations and we have introduced environmental commitments into other
policies such as our Code of Ethics and Supplier Code of Conduct that outline
our expectations for employees and suppliers respectively, with both groups
required to sign annual attestations.
Group
Environment Policy
Leadership
We chair the
Rail Safety and Standards Board’s Air Quality Working Group and contribute
towards the first-ever air quality monitoring network spanning 105 train
stations across England and Wales.
Monitoring
and data-driven decisions
We chair the
Rail Safety and Standards Board’s Air Quality Working Group and contribute
towards the first-ever air quality monitoring network spanning 105 train
stations across England and Wales.
Our rail
businesses have installed diffusion tubes and other monitoring equipment at
various stations. These tools allow us to track levels of nitrogen oxide,
nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter accurately.
By analysing
this data, we develop targeted air quality improvement plans where
necessary. Our commitment extends beyond compliance – we actively seek
opportunities to enhance air quality.
First
Rail
As active
participants in the rail industry idling reduction project, we work
to overcome technical and operational barriers by minimising engine
idling. By doing so, we contribute significantly to improving air quality.
Onboard
Air Quality
In First Rail
we aim to ensure high air quality for our passengers when they are travelling
on board. A majority of our trains are equipped with air conditioning with
train ventilation systems ensuring a continuing supply of fresh air throughout
the whole journey. Should this fail our frontline and onboard staff will do
everything they can to move customers to an alternative coach. Our train
operating companies provide performance data for onboard air quality available
at the following links:
Avanti West Coast Air Quality
Great Western Railway Air Quality
Hull Trains Air Conditioning and Air
Quality
Lumo Air Conditioning and Air Quality
South Western Railway Air Quality
First
Bus
In First Bus,
78% of our diesel fleet now meets the Euro VI low emission standards or
equivalent. Additionally, we continue to retrofit exhaust after-treatment
systems (EATS) to older diesel vehicles, with over 1,600 retrofitted vehicles
to date in our fleet. These improvements will contribute to improved air
quality in the cities where we operate.
Discover
other ways we are reducing our environmental impact
Avanti
West Coast
First Bus
Great
Western Railway
Hull
Trains
Lumo
South
Western Railway