Decarbonisation and Digitalisation

A BUSWORLD WEBINAR ON DECARBONISATION AND DIGITALISATION FOCUSED ON THE BUS INDUSTRY’S SDGS. DEEPTI THORE REITERATES THE FOCUS ON CARBON NEUTRALITY AND CHALLENGES EN ROUTE

- DEEPTI THORE

Decarbonisation and digitalisation were recently identified as essential areas for driving the recovery of surface transport (by road) at a Busworld webinar. In the post-pandemic era, the industry is determined to realise its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of which carbon neutrality is a crucial one. To address the challenges faced by the passenger mobility segment in attaining the goals, Akash Passey, President Bus Division at VE Commercial Vehicles mentioned that decarbonisation and digitalisation are interconnected. “Decarbonisation is the most effective and reliable road to the goals of carbon neutrality, climate neutrality, and a decarbonised global economy,” said Shivayogi C Kalasad, Managing Director, Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC).

Making a case for better air quality and its direct correlation to the quality of life, Kulwant Singh, Advisor - Busworld Foundation, public bus transport looked at India and South Asian cities. He hailed the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions with the use of fewer resources and lessening of CO2 emissions per passenger, by the bus industry, in comparison to individual motorised transport. He exclaimed that the industry would not rest on its laurels though. “Despite this great record of accomplishment, public transport companies are determined to contribute even further to transport decarbonisation by way of replacement of the oldest fleet with modern and highly efficient vehicles,” he said. Here, the role of alternative fuels and electric propulsion systems was deemed crucial.

THE SDGS