Comparative effects of eco‐driving initiatives aimed at urban bus drivers – Results from a field trial

A field trial is used to investigate effects of two programmes aimed at encouraging bus drivers to develop and maintain ecological driving behaviour. Drivers on one bus line were divided into three groups, one received feedback from an in‐vehicle system, the second received the same feedback coupled with personal training sessions, and the third acting as a control. A 6.8% fuel saving and large decreases in instances of harsh deceleration and speeding were found, but with no difference in the effect of the two eco‐driving strategies. The drivers reported perceived gains in theoretical knowledge of eco‐driving, but found it more difficult to put that knowledge into practice. Several contextual factors were found to limit drivers’ to eco‐driving, most noticeably shaped by their work tasks, but also the commitment of the company where they were employed.