8 June
Around 60 children took a ride on one of the city’s new biogas buses as part of the launch of the latest in a series of books promoting sustainable transport. 🚏🚌
The reception and Year 1 pupils from William Booth Primary and Nursery School, in Sneinton, took a trip on Greta the Gas Bus yesterday (Thursday, June 7) before enjoying an action-packed morning at Gedling Country Park.
While there, the youngsters learnt about solar energy and went on a butterfly walk, before being given copies of the book, which aims to inspire young children to use environmentally-friendly public transport and help them travel safe.
Councillor Sally Longford, Portfolio Holder for Energy and Environment at Nottingham City Council, said: “At the council we’ve been investing in electric buses and greener transport for some time, and our colleagues at Nottingham City Transport are leading the way in developing biogas buses that are kinder to the environment.
“As people become increasingly aware of the effects of poor air quality on our health, it’s vital we educate children from a young age on the importance of clean air and looking after our environment. One way everyone can help is in the way they travel. ”
Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke said; “I was delighted to meet the children of the biogas bus and to welcome them to Gedling Country Park. The park is the perfect place to talk to the young people about clean air and renewable energy and we are fully supportive of the work Nottingham City Transport are doing to create cleaner ways to travel.”
Anthony Carver-Smith, Marketing Manager at Nottingham City Transport, added: “We’re delighted to support the launch of this initiative and we’re looking forward to welcoming these pupils to a tour at our gas fuelling station in the near future.”
Greta the Gas Bus is the fifth in a series that began with Ellie the Electric Bus, and also includes Marvin the Medilink. Last year, the series was shortlisted last year in the Marketing Initiative of the Year category at the UK Bus Awards.
Copies are distributed to local schools, and libraries throughout Greater Nottingham. They can also be viewed online here.
The event comes ahead of Clean Air Day on June 21, during which all citizens are encouraged to do something to tackle air pollution – however small. This could include walking or cycling to school, or taking the bus or tram.
