As a world leader in shared mobility, Keolis is firmly committed to reducing the environmental footprint of transport. Public transport solutions are a first step towards meeting the challenges of climate change, land use, air and noise pollution, etc. But Keolis has even higher ambitions, on a par with the challenges facing the environment. The Group’s goal is to become a leader in low-carbon mobility, by building public transport networks that protect the environment and the health of local residents.
Deploying sustainable mobility solutions in communities
Shared mobility in support of the environment
Keolis operates more than 10 modes of transport, including metros, trams, trains and buses. These low-carbon shared mobility solutions enable millions of people to travel without a car, while limiting their greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on air quality.
Encouraging multimodality and active mobility
Keolis has always been at the forefront of developments in the transport sector. It has the expertise and references to support public transport authorities in decarbonising their transport systems and working with them to develop cleaner mobility. Working with PTAs, Keolis designs tailor-made transport networks combining multimodality, public transport, shared and soft mobility. Keolis always tries to find the transport solution that is best suited to local issues and has the least impact on the environment.
Supporting the environmental conversion of transport networks
Advising clients on local energy strategies
The Group offers the best suited mobility solutions in terms of energy, vehicles and infrastructure, taking into account local issues, regulations and the technical and economic feasibility of the solution. Throughout the operating contract, the Group helps its partners to learn about and adopt new technologies for ever greener public transport.
Accelerating the decarbonisation of vehicle fleets
With its extensive knowledge of diesel alternatives, Keolis advises PTAs on the fuel conversion of their vehicle fleets. The aim is to replace diesel and petrol with low-carbon energy carriers such as biodiesel, bioethanol, electricity or hydrogen.
In Lille , Keolis operates the largest fleet of buses running on compressed natural gas (CNG). 30% of the mileage is covered using biomethane produced locally from household waste.
In Alès, Keolis is combining an energy transition with a multimodal approach. The Group is experimenting with a range of solutions with the local authority, including the introduction of a hydrogen-powered bus, the conversion of city-centre shuttles to electric power, the deployment of the first public carpooling network in France, the doubling of the fleet of e-bikes (comprising 200 bikes), and the provision of 50 e-scooters.
Hydrogen: a solution with promise?
In partnership with public transport authorities, Keolis has set its sights on 100% hydrogen-powered buses for more sustainable urban mobility.
In the United States, Keolis and its partner International Pomona operate two bus lines and 33 vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells on the Foothill network in Southern California.
In France, starting in September 2024, the Group will operate 14 hydrogen-powered vehicles on a major line of the Clermont Auvergne Métropole public transport network. With this trial, Keolis and its partners are investing together to develop skills in this high-potential sector. The expected benefits include improved air quality, reduced noise pollution and a more pleasant travel experience.
Proportion of alternative energy sources in the Keolis Group’s bus fleets
- 5,600buses run on fuels other than diesel or petrol
- ~ 3,000buses and coaches run on CNG/bioCNG
- + 25 %electric buses between 2022 and 2023
- - 5 %of reduction in traction Greenhouse gas emissions, in value and per kilometre vs 2022
- x2the proportion of kilometres covered using non-fossil fuels since 2019, amounting to 20% in 2023
Training in eco-friendly driving
Eco-driving can reduce fuel consumption by up to 5%. In practice, this means keeping the RPMs as low as possible, maintaining a stable speed and refraining from sharp accelerating and braking. Keolis trains its bus and coach drivers in this type of "economical" driving and in eco-friendly reflexes, notably through simulator sessions run by the Keolis Training Institute.
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Bruno Lapeyrie, Director, Bus and Energy Centre of Excellence