INNOVATION AND EVOLUTION IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT. Sustainable Mobility.

In recent years, the transport and logistics sector has undergone a major transformation, but in the immediate future this could drastically change the way in which passengers and goods are currently transported. Precisely these months of pandemic have served to demand from the sector advances in innovation that were under study or simply pending implementation. Compared to other sectors, transport is one of the most affected by technological evolution, due in large part to the constant appearance of new digital tools that allow for the sophistication and greater efficiency of the processes of production and consumption of transport services. In the particular field of bus/coach, digital transformation affects different dimensions of the value chain, from the optimization of internal and external processes of companies, new lines of business and opening of markets, modernization of fleets and services and energy efficiency.

Digitalization and modernization of bus/coach transport services. Transportation is one of the sectors most affected by digital transformation. Maintaining a constant innovative pulse in this area is a necessary strategy to be able to adapt to a new market and regulatory environment. Many transportation companies already have digital platforms with reservation systems. Big data analysis systems, new mobile applications for on-demand transportation or for positioning and tracking vehicles on their routes or travel schedules, as well as websites and the use of social media are being developed.

Environmental impact and efficient mobility. In Spain, transport is responsible for 28.7% of the total CO2 emissions released into the atmosphere (among other greenhouse gases). Moreover, it has been well established that the private vehicle – the car – is primarily responsible for these emissions, as well as for congestion and the resulting externalities, since in Spain it accounts for 83% of all journeys, a figure above the European Union average.

Sustainable mobility. – Eco-efficiency and technology for smarter and more sustainable transportation.

We are constantly on the move. To go to school, to work, to have fun in a group or with the family, or for business tourism.  The way we move determines the quality of life in a city or tourist destination, whether in the present or in the future.

The relationship between transportation and the environment from the perspective of efficiency has become one of the nerves centers of sustainability. It is about producing, consuming and moving people and goods in the best possible way, with fewer resources and less environmental impact. With new technologies, citizens will gain new services and enable improved real-time management of traffic and capacity use, as well as traceability and monitoring of transport flows for environmental and safety purposes.

The bus is a key agent against pollution and climate change. Pollution levels have risen alarmingly over the last decade on a global scale and the deterioration of ecosystems is now evident in much of the natural heritage. To address the high level of pollution, it is necessary to implement new policies and actions by public administrations to induce a modal shift towards less polluting and more sustainable means such as bus/coach. Precisely in these months of implementation of measures to combat the spread of Covid-19 infections, many administrations have worked intensively with companies and local authorities to promote public transport. The reorganization and modernization of different routes has been one of the processes implemented. The pressure of the population has also induced the development of new proposals for transport on demand, which has led to the promotion of work and school transport.

Promoting discretional coach transport. Its strategic importance is very relevant, especially because of its link to the tourism sector, which is the leading national industry. Indeed, the promotion of occasional bus transport could contribute very effectively both to the public policy objectives of reducing emissions and to a greater competitiveness of the tourist offer, since it mitigates last mile problems and overcomes the rigidities present in other modes of transport, such as, for example, rail transport.

Promotion of labor transport. The economic recovery of the last decade had led to a significant increase in the use of private vehicles for commuting. This dynamic has changed slightly during these months of pandemic and some of the companies have decided to provide collective transport services, placing shuttles between different points of origin of their employees and the workplace. In this way they have been able to ensure the health safety of their employees and workers in a private use transport for their companies.

Promotion of school transport. The intensification of the use of school transportation has also helped in the control and displacement of the bubble groups from the schools to their homes. School transport also contributes effectively to an improvement in urban traffic. The congestion and collapse of certain city arteries during rush hour is partly due to the massive use of private vehicles for school drop-off and pick-up. Facilitating a widespread and efficient school transportation model saves vehicles in traffic and reduces externalities such as time wasted during rush hour, accidents and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Since its foundation in 2004, Avant Grup has dedicated much of its efforts to the continuous improvement of the transportation proposal for mobility solutions for people, especially during participation in congresses and large events. The importance of the perfect functioning of transportation for delegates and attendees is a crucial part of the success of each event and teamwork with the organizing agencies is an important part of the planning to facilitate the work together and ensure a perfect result.

Barcelona has become one of the main destinations in Europe and the world for the celebration of events of different types. Thanks to the quality of its services and its cosmopolitan character, the city has hosted a congress activity whose dimension grows annually. Thousands of professionals attending international events such as the World Mobile Congress or specific events and fairs such as the IBTM World have been able to verify the quality of the services and benefits that Avant Grup, a coach company in Barcelona, has made available to the respective organizing agencies.

In addition to the planning and organization of events, the services of the fleet of vehicles involved must also be taken into account. Event organizers are increasingly demanding environmental and sustainable policies for delegates and attendees as well as for suppliers and collaborators. The evolution of recent years has marked an important step towards the consolidation of a more sustainable mobility and tourism.

Avant Grup is fully committed to a quality service to its customers and strategies that allow a reduction of CO2 emissions. The entire fleet is equipped with EuroV – Euro VI engines in accordance with European regulations. All this gives sufficient confidence to tour operators and congress organizers who aim at sustainability and respect for the environment.