In celebration of Earth Day, the International Motorcoach Group (IMG) announced a partnership that supports the IMG network’s ongoing efforts to provide clean transportation now and cleaner transportation in the future. Working with the University of Vermont’s (UVM) Certification for Sustainable Transportation Program (CST), IMG operators will help spread awareness of responsible, efficient travel options for passengers.

The motorcoach industry as a whole provides some impressive statistics:

• Motorcoaches provide over 206 passenger miles per gallon of fuel compared to single occupant automobiles that provide 27.2 passenger miles per gallon on average.

• Motorcoaches are seven-times more energy and fuel efficient than single occupancy automobiles at moving large numbers of people.

• Motorcoaches are three times more efficient in reducing CO2 output when compared to commuter rail.

The CST provides an independent, third-party certification, education and labelling program to help minimize the impact of passenger transportation. By embracing the CST’s eRating vehicle certification, Eco Driver and Idle Free initiatives, IMG companies have access to technical support from UVM and they can learn about ways to save energy and operate their vehicles even more efficiently.

“We are delighted to have this special relationship with the CST program and make this announcement today,” said Bronwyn Wilson, president of IMG. “The education and knowledge this brings to IMG companies is invaluable to their businesses and the environment.”

“Since starting to work with the CST in September of 2015, our company has reduced its fuel consumption from idling an average of 35% per month. In addition to the reduced wear-and-tear on our vehicles this also represents a 35% reduction on our carbon footprint,” said Keith Fisher, president, IMG’s Niagara Scenic Tours, N.Y.