Tootbus, a subsidiary of RATP Dev, is reinforcing its commitment to sustainability through a comprehensive strategy. This involves both the repowering of existing buses and the introduction of new electric buses in London and Paris. The plan encompasses repowering a total of 16 open-top double-decker buses and acquiring three new ones in these cities. This initiative further strengthens Tootbus' commitment to sustainable development, enabling them to fulfill their commitments made during the signing of the Glasgow Declaration for Climate Action in Tourism. The company pledges to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030.
Operating in Bath, London, Paris and Brussels, Tootbus, the world’s first low emission sightseeing bus company is investing in a vehicle conversion programme as part of its commitment to reduce the environmental impact of its operations and promote green tourism.
In London the company is repowering a fleet of 15 open top double-decker buses for its iconic sightseeing services, marking a crucial step in its global sustainability initiatives. 3 of them will be brought into service as early as 2024 and the extra 12 ones by 2027. The repowering will be made by UK’s leading designer, manufacturer and integrator of electric drive systems Magtec. This new addition will supplement the current fleet of 4 electric buses and 38 buses powered by HVO biofuel in the UK Capital.
In Brussels, the entire fleet (9 buses) is already operating on 100% electric power. Meanwhile in Paris, the company is equipped with a fleet that is entirely low emission, comprising 9 electric buses, 6 natural gas vehicles (NGV), and 11 buses powered by HVO biofuel. The French capital operator plans to further enhance its eco-friendly fleet by adding 3 brand new electric buses and retrofitted one bus with electric technology by the Spanish manufacturer UNVI, all set to join the fleet by Summer 2024.
Tootbus is proud to be a signatory of the Glasgow Declaration, committed to build a comprehensive climate plan by 2024 and aims to have a fully electric fleet by 2030 in line with its net zero ambitions.
Tootbus has recently been honoured with the 2023 Skal International Sustainable Tourism Award in the Tourist Transportation category supported by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Responsible Tourism Institute. Each year, this event highlights the exemplary sustainability practices of entities within the tourism sector. This recognition underscores Tootbus's unwavering commitment to environmentally responsible travel.
"The Glasgow Declaration agreement reinforces our commitment to delivering a truly sustainable service," says Arnaud Masson, Senior Vice President - Digital & Sightseeing Business Unit at RATP Dev. " As the leading low-emission sightseeing bus company, we are dedicated to advancing green tourism at an accelerated pace. Tootbus has already taken significant strides in decarbonizing its bus fleet. In an effort to better understand the broader sustainability landscape within the tourism industry, we have published a sustainability barometer. The results emphasize the importance of globally recognized official labels and the pivotal role of tourism operators in promoting sustainable practices along with their responsibility to encourage travelers to adopt eco-friendly behaviors. We take this responsibility very seriously and are already making substantial investments in our sustainable fleet in every city we operate”.