Transdev Yellow Buses launches 'Carbon Stoppers'
TRANSDEV Yellow Buses (TYB) is claiming a UK first with the launch of a new initiative designed to boost bus use and raise money for good causes.
The Bournemouth-based operator has named the scheme Carbon Stoppers and describes it as a way of rewarding bus travellers by putting something back into the community.
One day a week – Thursday – TYB is donating £1 per 1000 passenger trip on its services to a separately administered ‘Community Chest’ which will be available to schools, community groups and good causes.
The bus company is committed to contributing a minimum £50 a week to the fund for at least 12 months.
Carbon Stoppers was launched on September 1 and will be heavily promoted on TYB’s buses, used by more than 12m passengers per annum, and its website.
The company has guaranteed its involvement in the project until at least the end of 2009.
Jenni Wilkinson, TYB’s Head of Marketing, said: “Carbon Stoppers is not anti-car or asking people to give up their vehicles.
“Instead it is aimed at reducing congestion, improving the environment and, most importantly, benefiting the people living in Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch.
“From our research, we believe that this is the first time a bus company in the UK has launched an initiative of this kind.”
Carbon Stoppers has won the full support of the Daily Echo, Bournemouth, which has invited its readers to nominate good causes to receive money from the Community Chest.
Editor Neal Butterworth said: “We are very pleased to be involved in this worthwhile initiative.
“The campaign tries to encourage people to use the buses – and the more people use the buses the more money this fund gets.
“We are delighted to be part of the campaign and hope we can raise as much money as possible for local good causes.”
Picture caption: Carbon Stoppers: Jenni Wilkinson, TYB’s Head of Marketing (right) and Sally Spicer, Marketing Assistant, launch the new Carbon Stoppers initiative.
