British public transport operator Stagecoach has backed, the Scottish city of Perth to become the most sustainable small city in Europe.
The bus and coach company was a headline sponsor of an online conference, held on 06 November 2020, which showcased examples of sustainable transport and city design from across Europe.
The international event featured case studies from Copenhagen, Malmo, Ghent, and Ii in Finland, and focused on the development of traffic-free city centres, carbon-neutral living, and energy security from city waste. It also covered active-travel schemes and the concept of 15-minute neighbourhoods.
Organised by Perth City Leadership Forum, the virtual conference – titled “What will it take to make Perth the most sustainable small city in Europe?” – also aimed to develop a green roadmap for Perth and the wider region.
Stagecoach, which retains its headquarters in the city, said it will continue to reduce its own carbon emissions in an effort to help Perth achieve its goal.
Martin Griffiths, Stagecoach chief executive, said: “We were founded in Perth 40 years ago and we are proud of our continuing strong links with the city and wider region.
“Perth has all the qualities needed to become Europe’s most sustainable small city and in Stagecoach and renewable energy company SSE has two major businesses with huge expertise to help make this happen.
“The transport choices we all make are fundamental to delivering a greener, healthier and more prosperous future for Perth and other cities across the country as we look to build back better from the current Covid-19 pandemic.”
According to Stagecoach, it has invested over £1bn in 7,000 new greener vehicles including electric, hybrid electric, hydrogen and biofuel technologies.
As previously reported by CiTTi, the operator received £1.15m from the Scottish government in September to retrofit over 60 of its buses to meet the latest Euro VI standard.
