Community transport provider, Waverley hoppa, came a close second to technology giant McLaren Applied at the Crest 22 Sustainable Business Awards (on 19 May) but the registered charity is far from
disappointed at not winning the top prize.

Instead, hoppa’s General Manager, Richard Davies, says that the organisation can only benefit from the experience, and values the recognition that comes from being a finalist – as well as making a few new friends along the way.

“We are as proud as punch for being shortlisted alongside the mighty McLaren Applied in the Smarter Transport category. It’s incredibly important to us at hoppa that we address our direct and indirect carbon emissions. We’re making a great start this year by embarking on plans to switch our fleet of 25 minibuses to electric vehicles. In fact, our first EV should be on the road next month. We’re also making our journeys smarter by using technology to improve our route planning. For Crest 22 to recognise our achievements so far and our ongoing commitment is a fabulous endorsement.”

Mr Davies looks forward to further sustainability innovations taking place in the transport sector: “As an organisation on the front line of public transport, it was great to hear from our fellow finalists at McLaren Applied and hear about what is around the corner in terms of transport developments.”

Hoppa provides affordable, accessible transport to hundreds of residents across Waverley and takes its responsibility to environmental sustainability seriously. “By using diesel or petrol, private and commercial drivers emit carbon into the atmosphere every time we turn on our engines. Switching to electric vehicles is one step to reducing our impact but we have lots more to do,” says Mr Davies. “We want our customers as well as the wider community to see us as a green business and we are already looking at our business processes, the energy efficiency of our headquarters and so on, to do more to reach Net Zero.”