September 11 2006

MEDIA STATEMENT

Biodiesel-powered buses available for schools

The biodiesel buses will be available to Christchurch schools through two sustainable transport education programmes ‘From a to b – Billy Bus’ and ‘Beat the Rush’, developed and implemented by Environment Canterbury.

‘From a to b Billy Bus’ caters for years 1-3 students. The programme focuses on the link between transport and its effects on the environment as well as safety and how to use bus services.

‘Beat the Rush’, a programme for years 5-8 students, steps up a level. It concentrates on sustainable transport options, energy use, and promoting the use of cleaner ways to get from one place to another.

“How people move from one place to another is integral to New Zealand’s future and the sustainability of the natural environment,” said Sian Carvell, environmental educator for Environment Canterbury.

“Using the biodiesel buses allows us to visually show children the variety of sustainable transport choices such as cycling, walking school buses, community cars, car pooling and using cleaner fuels such as biodiesel, which are less harmful on the environment,” she said.

Environment Canterbury’s energy and transport education programmes have been operating for three years. Both programmes are extremely popular.

“The launch of the biodiesel buses integrates Environment Canterbury’s role in energy, passenger transport and environmental issues,” Sian Carvell said.

www.ecan.govt.nz/sustainabletransport

ENDS

© Scoop Media