Is multi-modal mobility fit for purpose? | Day 1

Domestic transport contributes the largest per-sector share of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK, at almost a third (29.1%) of the total output in 2023 according to the latest government data. Deploying more efficient, more electrified vehicles is an important step towards meeting the country’s 2050 net zero carbon target, but a sustainable transport ecosystem means looking beyond the traditional fleet.

Journey planning can have a big impact on a business’s environmental impact. Analysis from the Department for Transport suggests driving from London to Glasgow by electric car results in three times lower equivalent CO2 emissions (including energy generation) than using petrol or diesel, and six times less than flying. However, switching to a train or coach leaves an even lower cabon footprint (3% and 24% respectively) on the same journey compared to the EV.

Connecting the alternatives

The challenge for decision-makers is mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) is a relatively under-developed concept in the UK. MaaS aggregates travel providers into a single digital platform, enabling users to compare, book and pay for journeys across multiple modes. The goal is promoting alternatives to cars (and potentially LCVs) by highlighting the environmental benefits and streamlining the traditionally complex multi-supplier booking process. However, that ecosystem requires collaboration, and standards which are not in place.

The potential for MaaS hasn’t gone unnoticed. The Conservative government published a code of practice for mobility providers in 2023, setting out guidelines for transparent pricing, inclusivity and promoting zero-emission vehicles and active travel. However, these are voluntary. Labour promised to give mayors more power to create integrated travel systems as part of its 2024 manifesto, but it hasn’t announced any policies yet.

For Sustainable Mobility Week, Ayvens and Fleet News surveyed fleet decision-makers with responsibility for a 250 or more vehicles, to find out how they’re engaging with sustainability and what’s meant for their operation. The results show fleet downsizing is a consideration; 27% of respondents said they were already downsizing the fleet to meet environmental commitments and 21% listed this as part of future plans, but the alternatives don’t always fit.

Almost a third (29%) of decision-makers surveyed had introduced cycle-to-work schemes, or were encouraging employees to use public transport, while 24% saw them as part of future efforts to curb emissions. Meanwhile, 31% are actively exploring micromobility solutions (such as drones, e-bikes, autonomous vehicles and transport hubs) and 24% are planning to do so. Organisations who are already reducing the size of their fleet were more likely to be utilising active or public transport (32%) and micromobility solutions (37%) than the average across the whole sample.

Replacing job-need vehicles

Although alternatives tend to focus on replacing car journeys, they can be viable for commercial vehicle drivers too. James Welton, who manages a large van fleet, recently trialled moving technicians in Central London onto public transport recognising that it could cut costs as well as carbon emissions. Employees collected wheeled tool cases from a depot at the start of their shifts and were assigned jobs within 200 metres of an Underground station.

The results were positive: “We’re going to try doing a whole week's worth of work and see how somebody finds it. Our main reason for doing that is cost – instead of running a van for £50 for the day in total operating costs, it’s the cost of a £10 travel card for getting around in Central London. It also beats the traffic,” says Welton.

“As a secondary benefit, it’s also accessing a different labour pool – people who might not drive, or want to drive, or who work part time. Essentially, they’re walking into work with their phone, wallet and ID badge and not having the whole infrastructure of a van or company car and all their tools and equipment around them.”

Two wheels good?

Micromobility solutions fill the gaps in those journeys, providing door-to-door transport for those who need it. However, programs tend to be locally run and only benefit businesses operating in those areas. For example, there are 22 e-scooter sharing schemes in across the UK, providing insight into how these might reduce road congestion, avoid crowding on public transport and reduce emissions. These trials were granted individual exemptions from tax and licensing rules, so it’s illegal for businesses to deploy their own e-scooters.

Similar schemes are in place for bikes. London’s Zero Emissions Network (ZEN) initiative has introduced hubs for businesses to use shared e-bikes equipped for cargo-moving, but only in specific boroughs. Since 2021, the Welsh Government and transport charity Sustrans have offered four-week e-bike loans, or three months for cargo versions, in five towns across Wales to study public feedback. Although this led to a claimed 39% reduction in car journeys, participant surveys raised concerns about costs, secure storage and maintenance issues if they users bought their own e-bikes.

There is support available to break down the cost barriers. Cycle-to-work schemes are a form of salary sacrifice which enables employees can lease or purchase bikes through their employer at a reduced cost. The £1,000 cap was removed in 2019 to extend those benefits to e-bikes. London’s ZEN network and the Energy Saving Trust both administer schemes providing grant funding for e-cargo bikes, and a recent participant survey for the latter found over half (55%) wouldn’t have been able to purchase one without that support.

Joining the club

Sharing could provide some sustainability benefits while other solutions mature, by enabling organisations to downsize their fleet. There were 5,167 car club vehicles across the UK at the end of 2023, according to the Department for Transport, and usage is on the rise. Membership had increased 38% compared to 2020, reaching 767,899 people, and the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate is designed to stimulate further growth of that fleet. Each new zero-emission vehicle registered to a car club is counted 1.5 times towards manufacturers’ mandatory targets.

Of course, each fleet’s needs are unique and the suitability of alternative transport solutions will depend on both needs and location. Our survey respondents headquartered in London were two times more likely to be using public transport and cycle-to-work schemes (42% vs 21%) than others. They were also more than 50% more likely (41% vs 25%) to be exploring micromobility solutions than operators based elsewhere. The new Government has its work cut out ensuring the sustainability benefits of shared and active travel are equally distributed across the country.