Linkki public transport has achieved significant emission savings since 2024

In 2024, Linkki implemented a route reform, which increased traffic by about 30 percent. At the same time, four new municipalities, Äänekoski, Hankasalmi, Toivakka, and Petäjävesi, joined the Linkki area formed by Jyväskylä, Laukaa, and Muurame. 

Despite the larger operating area, carbon dioxide emissions from transport decreased by 79 percent compared to if the transport had been powered only by standard fossil diesel. The calculated carbon dioxide emissions are currently 1,557,136 kilograms. If the older, fossil fuel-powered vehicles had been used, the corresponding figure would have been 7,488,435 kg. 

Emissions savings have been possible even though the number of kilometers driven has increased from 6 million to 8.7 million with the new bus routes and the expansion of the Linkki public transport area. Emissions per kilometer were approximately 1.2 kilograms in 2020, and from 2024 onwards they will fall to 0.8 kilograms.

The reduction in emissions is due to the transition from traditional diesel buses to new, environmentally friendly power sources. Linkki city transport has approximately 120 buses, and Linkki regional transport has 12. In city transport, standard diesel is still in use in one location, whose contract expires in 2028. This means that almost all Linkki transport currently runs on electricity, gas, or biodiesel. In the summer of 2025, the Linkki fleet will be expanded with five zero-emission hydrogen buses, making Linkki even greener.

Emissions calculations are based on data from Statistics Finland. Statistics Finland monitors CO2 emissions from transport in accordance with the ISO 14083:2023 standard. The calculation is based on the TTW (Tank to Wheel) method, in which emissions are calculated only from the CO2 emissions produced by the vehicle. The figure shows the emissions produced by the vehicle's engine when converting fuel into kinetic energy.

Green power superheroes adventure in Linkki

Starting in the summer of 2025, Linkki's green power sources and zero-emission transport will be highlighted more clearly than before. Among other things, playful superhero characters will appear on the exterior stickers of electric, gas, and hydrogen-powered Linkki buses and on the interior displays of the vehicles, clearly communicating the environmental friendliness of public transport.

The greener public transport is the result of successful cooperation between public transport operators. Thanks also go to customers who have actively switched to using the renewed, emission-free Linkki public transport. 

- It is a pleasure to continue working to reduce emissions and promote sustainable transport," says Kari Ström, Service Manager responsible for Linkki public transport in the Jyväskylä region.