Go-Ahead has pledged to dedicate at least one third of its controllable spending on local businesses by 2023, in an effort to support local small and medium-sized enterprises.
It means spending outside long-term contractual arrangements, such as rolling stock leases or fuel, or spend required as part of the industry, will go towards local businesses.
The decision follows the publication of sustainability reports of its rail and bus companies, which highlight its commitment to local suppliers across the UK. It includes collaboration with breweries and distilleries for hand sanitser, contracts with cleaning companies and tech suppliers for delay repay claims.
“Public transport is critical for the health and wellbeing of our communities through environmental sustainability, economic recovery and maintaining vital links with employment, education and healthcare,” says Go-Ahead Chief Strategy and Customer Officer Kate Taylor. “The sustainability reports published today reflect the critical work of our bus and rail companies in helping their local communities, as well delivering cleaner, greener and safer journeys to passengers. Setting a target for local procurement further demonstrates our commitment to the communities we serve.”
The company has further highlighted its sustainability achievements, which include:
- A 27% reduction in CO2e per vehicle since 2017
- Introducing 172 low- or zero-emission buses across the UK this year
- Over 180 electric vehicles (EVs)
- Launching what is believed to be the UK’s largest EV charging hub at Hatfield Station
- Northumberland Park bus garage, equipped with electric charging for both buses and commercial vehicles
