Story travel

Every Mile Matters: Rethinking How We Move Around Plymouth

Contributor

Climate Connections


Date

26 January 2026


Every journey we take has an impact, on the environment, on our wallets and on our community. In Plymouth, transport and travel is the single biggest contributor to carbon emissions, making up 34% of the city’s footprint. One of the easiest ways to cut your carbon emissions? Hop on a bus instead of driving.

Cleaner, Greener Travel

Public transport means fewer cars on the road, less congestion and lower emissions per passenger. Many local operators, including Plymouth Citybus and others serving the area, are investing in cleaner fleets, with electric and low-emission buses helping to improve air quality across the city.

Electric buses

How Much CO₂ Can You Save?

Here are some real examples from Plymouth routes, showing the carbon savings when you choose the bus over driving:

(Figures based on Plymouth Citybus journey planner estimates.)

Why It Matters

Transport isn’t just an environmental issue; it affects our daily lives. By swapping out just one car journey for a bus ride, you’re helping to:

  • Cut emissions and improve Plymouth’s air quality
  • Reduce congestion, making roads safer and journeys smoother
  • Save money on fuel, parking and vehicle maintenance
  • Support local services, keeping public transport viable for everyone
  • Enjoy a stress-free ride, with time to read, relax or catch up on messages

Plan Your Journey

Ready to make the switch? Use the Plymouth Citybus Journey Planner to find your route, or check out other local operators for options that suit you. Every bus journey counts towards a cleaner, more connected Plymouth.

More
Stories

buildings energy

Making Victorian Homes Fit For the Future

Top tips and tricks for improving the energy efficiency of your home

How do we get to Net Zero?

Getting to Net Zero boils down to one essential goal: reducing our carbon emissions to as close to zero as possible. That means thinking about how we live, travel, consume energy and more...