Pragmatism in action at COP29: Taxi and coach drivers driving change

At COP29's ministerial roundtable on greening urban transport, IRU's Secretary General highlighted the critical role of collective bus, coach and taxi transport in meeting global decarbonisation targets.

Buses and coaches are the cleanest, safest and most socially inclusive and efficient way for people to move and travel.

Speaking at the greening urban transport ministerial roundtable organised by the Azeri Minister of Transport, IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto said, "Each bus or coach on the road replaces over 30 private cars and produces up to 81% less CO₂ per passenger-kilometre."

"Investments in buses and coaches are ten times cheaper than investments in rail transport. Railways have a role, but buses and coaches are unmatched in their flexibility, resilience, safety and environmental friendliness," he added.

The use of collective passenger transport by road is one of the essential pillars of the IRU Green Compact. It is the most cost-effective and rapid way for public authorities to help people shift away from private cars.

Ahead of COP29, IRU and FIA initiated eco-driving awareness sessions for bus and taxi drivers who drove COP29 delegates in the city of Baku. Conducted in partnership with Baku's leading bus and taxi operators, the initiative trained 5,000 drivers on how to make sustainable decisions on the road, covering braking, heating, idling and other emission-intensive behaviours.

"Training professional drivers is a proven, rapid and pragmatic way to cut CO₂ emissions. Our training reduced, on average, fuel consumption by 11%, with the top performer reducing emissions by 32%. We need to stop talking and start acting. IRU has taken concrete action. We will continue training our bus and taxi drivers driving change," concluded Umberto de Pretto.