Latest news with #sustainabletravel


BBC News
3 days ago
- Automotive
- BBC News
Brighton and Hove park and ride service to begin on Sunday
A new park and ride service will launch in Brighton this weekend, the city council has & Hove City Council (BHCC) approved plans for a long-discussed park and ride scheme in January, and now says that it will launch on scheme, which will take passengers from the University of Sussex campus in Falmer to Church Street in the city centre, will run every weekend in August, as well as on the Bank Holiday Monday on 25 will run every 15 minutes from 09:00 to 21:00 BST, the council added. The park and ride service will cost £7 per car, which includes all passengers in the vehicle, the council buses from Brighton returning to Falmer would leave Church Street at 20: Muten, cabinet member for transport, parking and public realm, previously said: "This initiative will operate alongside our efforts to make parking simpler and fairer, our expansion in electric vehicle charging, and our improvements to the city's walking and cycling infrastructure."It all adds up to a comprehensive, city-wide strategy to give our residents and visitors more options to travel sustainably."BHCC also said it would look to introduce further locations around the city following the opening of the first added that the service was currently only for people parking their cars at the university, but it would be "considering wider options in the future".


UAE Moments
3 days ago
- Business
- UAE Moments
Dubai Sees 395 Million Public Transport Journeys In Q1 2025
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) revealed that public transport services carried about 395.3 million riders in the first half of 2025. The figure includes trips on Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, public buses, marine transport, taxis, and shared mobility options such as app-based vehicles, hourly rentals, and on-demand buses. Join our FREE WhatsApp channel to dive into a world of real-time engagement! This marks a 9% increase compared to the 361.2 million riders recorded during the same period in 2024. The average daily ridership rose to nearly 2.18 million, up from 1.98 million last year. Growing Confidence in Public Transport Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, said the steady rise in ridership reflects the public's trust in Dubai's transport network. 'The continued growth in public transport ridership reflects users' confidence in the system's efficiency and the quality of services provided across all modes,' Al Tayer stated. He highlighted that Dubai's public transport share of total journeys increased from 6% in 2006 to 21.6% in 2024, showing a strong shift toward sustainable travel. Expanding Dubai's Transport Network Dubai's transport system continues to evolve with major projects underway. The Dubai Metro Blue Line, spanning 30 km with 14 stations, is under construction. It will serve nine key districts with an estimated population of one million residents, supporting the Dubai 2040 Urban Plan. Additionally, RTA signed agreements to procure 637 new buses, including 40 electric buses, the first and largest such fleet in the UAE. These buses will be delivered between 2025 and 2026, supporting Dubai's plan to shift to electric and hydrogen-powered buses by 2050. Breakdown of Ridership Dubai Metro carried 143.9 million riders on the Red and Green Lines. Taxis served 103.5 million riders, making up 26% of total ridership. Public buses transported 95.7 million riders (24% share). Dubai Tram had 4.9 million riders, while marine transport served 9.7 million riders. Shared mobility services (app-based vehicles, hourly rentals, and on-demand buses) recorded 37.6 million riders. The Dubai Metro remained the most popular mode of transport, with BurJuman Station recording 8.6 million riders, followed by Al Rigga Station with 6.8 million. May 2025 saw the highest monthly ridership, reaching 68.8 million trips, while other months ranged between 61 and 68 million trips. Driving Sustainable Mobility Al Tayer confirmed that RTA remains committed to building a world-class transport system. The focus is on expanding lines, enhancing station connectivity, and providing inclusive mobility options for residents and visitors alike.


Telegraph
6 days ago
- Politics
- Telegraph
Foreign Office staff take three domestic flights a day
Foreign Office staff took the equivalent of three domestic flights every day last year, amassing enough air miles to take 20 round trips to Australia. New figures obtained by The Telegraph show civil servants in David Lammy's department took more than 1,000 flights within the UK in 2024-25, despite a bid to shift towards more 'sustainable travel options'. The flights covered a distance of 708,551km, enough to fly to Sydney and back 20 times, and generated 114 tonnes of carbon. The revelations have prompted questions about Labour's green credentials after it emerged that Angela Rayner's department amassed enough international air miles last year to jet around the world 13 times. Climate commitments into question The number of domestic flights taken by the Foreign Office in the year to April 2025 came in at 1,027, down from 1,739 in 2023-24 and 2,112 in 2022-23. However, the distance covered was still more than the 514,785km that Ms Rayner's department racked up on international trips last year. The Green Party said the figures called the Government's climate commitments into question and urged Labour to ban all domestic flights for official trips that can be easily taken by train. 'Setting an example' Sian Berry, the Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, said: 'Government departments should be setting an example and using trains whenever possible for domestic travel. 'Taking three domestic flights every day flies in the face of climate science and government ministers' commitments to taking the climate crisis seriously. 'This Labour Government should ban domestic flights for official trips that can be done by train in just a few hours – this has already happened in France. 'They must also urgently implement a 'frequent flyer levy' to disincentivise those who take the vast majority of flights. This is what taking the climate crisis seriously looks like.' 'By default' The Telegraph obtained the number of domestic flights taken by the Foreign Office after the department published the distance travelled and carbon emissions produced in its annual report for 2024-25. It set out the department's commitment to 'reducing the number of UK domestic flights and increasing sustainable travel options as operations embed hybrid working practices'. 'Our duty travel policy requires all staff travelling within the UK and between England and Eurostar destinations to travel by train by default,' it said. 'This policy and increased use of technology to collaborate without the necessity for travel will help the FCDO reduce emissions.' The report confirmed that the Foreign Office has met Labour's target to reduce emissions from domestic flights by 30 per cent compared to 2017-18. Carbon produced However, the 114 tonnes of carbon produced in the year to April were still higher than the 92 tonnes emitted by Ms Rayner's Ministry of Housing. The flight records for the Deputy Prime Minister's department caused a stir when they were published earlier this week, revealing a huge rise in air miles compared to the previous year. In its annual report, the Ministry of Housing revealed that its staff took foreign flights totalling 514,785km in 2024-25, almost five times the 108,060km amassed in 2023-24. The department blamed the rise partly on an increase in 'significant international conferences' attended by staff at Homes England, the housing quango. It is unclear whether the 1,027 domestic flights taken by the Foreign Office last year accounted for separate plane trips or journeys by individuals who may have travelled on the same plane.


Forbes
22-07-2025
- Forbes
The Best Up-And-Coming Sustainable Destinations In Europe, According To New Analysis
Beautiful village of Carvoeiro in the Algarve, Portugal getty Sustainable travel has become more than just a travel trend. In fact, 83% of travelers state that traveling more responsibly and respectfully toward the environment has become top of mind. But which destinations are actually working toward a more sustainable future? A new analysis has just ranked the best up-and-coming sustainable destinations in Europe for travelers looking to get away from the crowds while also supporting cities and towns that are making a real effort to preserve the environment. The analysis by Accor and Natura 2000 looked at destinations based on their recognition in the Green Destinations Awards 2024, particularly in the categories of Nature & Scenery, Culture & Tradition, Environment & Climate, and Destination Management. Here are the best up-and-coming sustainable destinations in Europe for eco-minded travelers to explore: Tourists walk along the estuary of the Baie de Somme getty The Baie de Somme earned top spot as the best up-and-coming sustainable destination in Europe (and also ranked third in the Green Destinations Award 2024 – Destination Management). The destination was designated as a Natura 2000 site and has made a name for itself thanks to its commitment to biodiversity preservation. Ferragudo. Lagoa Municipality. Faro district. Algarve. Portugal getty Lagos in southern Portugal's Algarve region boasts a protected coastal area that serves as a model of sustainable tourism, according to the analysis. It was awarded Green Destinations 2024 – Nature & Scenery and allows travelers to observe local biodiversity through hiking, swimming, and contributing to the overall preservation of the region. Miren Kras, Slovenia Edge of Kras plateau and Miren village near Nova Gorica at the border of Italy and Slovenia getty You might have been to the capital city of Ljubljana—but have you ever been to Slovenia's Miren Kras? It's a short drive from the capital city but is making major waves in sustainability and conservation efforts. Miren Kras earned the Green Destinations Award – Environment & Climate and boasts things like responsible hiking trails, eco-friendly hotels, sustainable cuisine, and an overall sustainability-focused approach to community and daily life. Castro Daire, Portugal Castro Daire, Portugal getty The second Portuguese city to make the list, Castro Daire earned first place in the Green Destinations Award – Culture & Tradition. It has become well-known for its locally-made honey and biodiversity destinations, including the Serra do Montemuro and Rio Paiva, which allow travelers to connect with nature in an environmentally responsible way. Belsh, Albania Aerial view of Belshi lake, Dumre getty Albania has been shooting up the must-visit list of travelers these day s— but the rural town of Belsh is still largely considered a hidden gem. The town, just about 40 miles south of Tirana, earned second place for Green Destinations Award – Culture & Tradition thanks to its sustainability-minded approach to daily life (and tourism) which focuses on responsible farming and fishing.


South China Morning Post
22-07-2025
- South China Morning Post
6 Hong Kong hotels offering summer fun and staycation deals so you needn't leave the city
There is a lot to love about a staycation. It is a break from routine without the typical travel hassles – and holidaying at home helps support your local economy. Air travel also has a significant environmental impact, with the greenhouse gas emissions it produces contributing to climate change. For this reason, staycations are a more sustainable travel choice. Those looking for a 'staycay' this summer should check out these hotels in Hong Kong that are offering a little more fun than the usual rooftop pool and gym. 1. Bubbles & Brews Festival at The Murray The Murray is hosting a Summer Bubbles & Brews Festival on July 25 and 26. Photo: The Murray Located in Hong Kong's Central neighbourhood, The Murray has 336 rooms and suites spanning 25 floors, and facilities including a swimming pool, spa and rooftop bar. For an extra dose of summer fun, head there on July 25 and 26 when the hotel hosts the Bubbles & Brews Festival at The Arches on its first floor. Local DJs will provide a feast of retro hits, while local and international wine and food vendors including Breer, Brightview, Veuve Clicquot, Whispering Angel, Two Moons Distillery, Vines and Terroirs, and Young Master will provide the food and drinks. 22 Cotton Tree Drive, Central. Tel: 3141 8888