To commit to a greener future, De Lijn launched the “Move along to less CO2” campaign Tuesday, 14 June. Its goal is to emit 172,000 tons less CO2 per year by 2035 thanks to bringing in additional electric buses, according to a De Lijn press release.
Flemish Minister of Mobility Lydia Peeters joined De Lijn employees at the Leuven Noord depot Tuesday to launch the event and commit to the reduction in CO2 emissions. The campaign runs until autumn.
“With this campaign, we especially want to stimulate and invite the Flemish people to try out a sustainable transport mix because together we can make a difference,” Peeters said. “By 2035, De Lijn wants to drive 200 million emission-free kilometres every year.”
Tweet translation: "Today, together with Flemish Minister Lydia Peeters and our Chairman Johan Sauwens, we kicked off our campaign 'Move along to less CO2.' More information:"
The campaign is focused on encouraging and motivating people to choose public transport over cars, underlining how a person saves 2kg of CO2 emissions when opting not to use the car.
When more people choose this option, the environmental impact adds up, but even one person committing to reduced car usage can help make a change Johan Sauwens, chairman of the board of directors, said.
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To make public transport an even more appealing way to cut down on one’s carbon footprint, De Lijn will be launching a CO2 calculator feature on its route planner. The calculator will give riders the opportunity to see their contribution to cutting down on CO2 emissions, therefore making their environmental impact more tangible on an individual level.
The campaign reaches further though than encouraging the public to choose a bus or a tram over their car. De Lijn will also receive 80 e-hybrid buses this summer and 60 new electric buses later this year.
Ann Schoubs, CEO of De Lijn, said they also plan to order even more electric vehicles for 2023. The goal is to achieve 50% use of sustainable means of transport in the metropolitan transport regions (Ghent, Antwerp and Brussels Periphery).
