Saving Green and Going Green with Charter Buses
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Posted On :
Apr-19-2010
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Article Word Count :
601
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In a world that is challenged with the debate of global warming and general pollution to every part of the environment, going green with our choices is a collective initiative that must be taken regardless of what side of the arguments one may be on.
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In a world that is challenged with the debate of global warming and general pollution to every part of the environment, going green with our choices is a collective initiative that must be taken regardless of what side of the arguments one may be on.
A great way to go green is to consider the use of charter buses verses a fleet of vans or cars to haul groups of people to destinations.
In a hypothetical situation, two groups are transporting 45 people each, from Grand Rapids Michigan to Chicago Illinois for a one night stay. Group A is renting three Ford 250 SuperDuty 15 passenger vans and group B is renting a Van Hool T2145 charter bus. The destination starting point is in Grand Rapids and the ending point is in Chicago, Illinois. These destinations are roughly 150 miles apart by taking the I-94 and the I-196.
With Group A and the three 15-passenger vans, they will have had to spend more money filling up the three 35 gallon gas tanks (which in most cases must be filled up before it is returned). Upon stopping at gas stations, it becomes a major temptation to exit the van, shop, use the restroom and generally waste unneeded time. The trip can also be taxing on the trip from policing activity in the back of the van, to navigating or keeping track of their convoy.
Although the environmental protection agency states that Gasoline creates 357 grams of carbon content per gallon, the carbon dioxide output is actually tripled in this case from the number of vans. Even a brand new 2010 F250 Ford 15 passenger van will only get between 15-19 mpg. The bigger the van is, the bigger the engine, and the more carbon created.
The average gas prices in Michigan are roughly $2.89 per gallon and can quickly rake up the expenses for the riders and trip coordinators.
Group B is taking the Van Hool T2145 bus which holds up to 56 people. It has a 231 gallon fuel tank (on average motor coaches get 392 (7 mpg x 56 passengers) passenger miles per gallon) which can provide a consistent non-stop trip. Every charter bus company will charge differently for their services but most of the time will factor in mileage, time of trip, type of bus and driver accommodations.
In comparison to the 2,421 grams of carbon content put out per mile from gasoline, most motor coaches will run off diesel fuel which gets about 2,778 grams of carbon content from a gallon of fuel used. In calculations from the round trip to Chicago from Grand Rapids, the three vans will have produced 158,257 grams of carbon content while the motor coach would have produced a mere 3416.94 grams of carbon content.
It’s highly recommended to weigh out the options of renting a motor coach verses the options of renting a fleet of vans. The American Bus Association reports that Motorcoaches reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 85%, can replace up to 55 cars driven by single drivers and even require 82% less fuel than hybrid vehicles (American Bus Association).
Going green usually is not the cost efficient choice, but in this case it is. Renting a motor coach over multiple vans can help prevent harmful toxins released into the atmosphere and help save money. Before groups book follow through with booking an entire trip, they should be requesting quotes from their local charter bus company to help make smarter economical and environmental transportation choices.
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Saving Green and Going Green with Charter Buses_16580.aspx
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Author Resource :
Sheila Dodd is the Marketing Executive for one of the oldest Michigan Charter Bus Companies Cardinal Buses. Cardinal Buses fleet has options for groups of 24 up to 56 people in charter buses or shuttles. For more information on group travel or charter bus services, visit www.CardinalBuses.com or call (800) 348-7487 and speak with a representative today.
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Keywords :
Michigan Charter Bus Companies, charter buses, charter bus services,
Category :
Travel and Leisure
:
Travel and Leisure
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