Coach USA Joins the eRating Certification Program

Thursday, January 15, 2015 - Coach USA companies including megabus.com announced today that they have just completed a new national certification program entitled The eRating Certification Program that is tailored toward transportation companies nationwide in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve vehicle energy efficiency and save money.

The first of its kind program was developed by the University of Vermont Certification for Sustainable Transportation (CST). The eRating vehicle certification is voluntary and uses an index that measures several criteria, including the use of low-emissions technology, alternative fuels, and greenhouse gas emission output calculated per passenger mile.

"We are honored that University of Vermont For Sustainable Transportation has given us the eRating certification for having most sustainable vehicles. One of our core principles is to make sure we have an environmentally friendly business and this designation is proof of our daily commitment to live up to that principle" said Dale Moser, CEO Coach USA.

The goals of CST is to help improve economic, environmental and energy efficiency within the transportation sector. Companies achieve the CST through the eRating vehicle certification initiative and educational programs which certify drivers who learn techniques to limit aggressive accelerations and idling, in order to improve fuel economy. To date, the CST has worked with more than 50 transportation companies in 26 states. These programs can help businesses increase market-place visibility and generate cost savings through improved efficiencies at their operations.

"We are ecstatic that Coach USA is one of the first companies that has gone through the eRating certification and passed with flying colors. Coach USA has and continues to be a leader in the transportation sector and they clearly proved it with their environmental commitment." David Kestnbaum, Director of CST.

Coach USA has been committed to delivering greener options through cleaner engines, energy efficiency, recycling and green travel incentives. Traveling by bus has long been the greenest method of travel surpassed only by biking or walking. For example, a single occupancy car generates 0.36491 metric tons of CO2 after traveling for 300 miles. Conversely, a Coach USA bus which, when full carries, 81 times as many passengers, and cuts down on vehicles on the road, generates only 0.01377 metric tons of CO2 or less than 1 percent as much CO2 as 81 single occupancy cars.

Coach USA has achieved the Carbon Trust Standard and has decreased their carbon intensity by 30 percent during the past 5 years. They are dedicated to continuously decreasing CO2 output for the benefit of their customers and the communities they serve.

A list of Coach USA companies who have joined in this effort include: Coach USA,megabus.com, All West Coach Lines (CA), American Coachlines of Atlanta, Butler Motor Transit (PA), Central Cab Company (IN), Chicago Trolley (IL), Community Coach Lines (NJ), Kerrville Bus Lines (TX), Lakefront Lines (OH), Lenzner Coach Lines (PA), Pacific Coast Sightseeing And Charter Lines (CA), ONE Bus (NJ), Olympia Trails (NJ), Rockland Coaches (NJ) Shortline Bus (NY), Suburban Transit (NJ), Van Galder Bus Company (WI), Wisconsin Coach Lines.


To learn more about CST and the eRating Certification Program, visit www.erating.org or call (802) 656-9141.


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ABOUT COACH USA

Coach USA, Inc., is one of the largest transportation companies in North America, and maintains the highest safety compliance rating (Satisfactory) from the US Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Paramus, N.J.-based Coach USA owns and operates 25 local companies in North America, some that have been in business for more than 75 years, which operate scheduled bus routes, motor coach tours, charters and sightseeing tours.  Visit www.coachusa.com for more information.