Save water to generate savings for bus operators: Facts, figures, practice and policy implications

Abstract

This paper aims to examine the frequently neglected concern of water usage in bus fleet maintenance, especially within the transit sector, which has traditionally prioritized energy and emissions management. The study seeks to assess the prospective savings derived from advanced water management technologies, including rainwater harvesting (RHR) and waxing, as part of the EC-funded LIFEH2OBUS initiative. The study employs a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) to compare business-as-usual (BAU) scenarios with the deployment of these technologies, evaluating their feasibility and efficacy in diminishing water consumption and expenses. Key findings indicate that the use of these technologies may decrease water usage by almost 70 %, resulting in an annual save of nearly 18 million liters for a fleet of 500 buses. Furthermore, the economic assessment reveals that both RHR and waxing technologies offer significant cost-saving potential relative to conventional water management techniques. Waxing, derived from the aviation industry, diminishes the need for frequent washing while providing enduring protection advantages for automobiles. The research indicates that implementing new water management technology can markedly improve the sustainability of bus fleet operations. The results indicate that these technologies ought to be adopted more extensively to realize both ecological and financial advantages. The policy implications highlighted include enhancing societal awareness and safeguarding the environment, revising regulatory frameworks, and promoting a "water culture" among transit operators to facilitate the widespread adoption of sustainable water practices in the transportation sector.