For 20 years, Global Passenger Network has connected leading coach operators around the world. But the value of a strong network goes beyond making introductions. Through collaboration with trusted partners such as Green Energy, it creates a platform where experience can be shared, new ideas tested and practical innovations moved more quickly between operators.
That is becoming increasingly important as coach operators face a changing operating environment. Fuel and energy costs, fleet reliability, emissions targets and new vehicle technologies are creating new questions about how vehicles are operated and where further efficiencies can be found.
For Green Energy, becoming a GPN partner has provided an opportunity to work directly with experienced coach operators and understand those challenges from their perspective.
Since joining the network, Green Energy solar systems have been installed with a number of GPN members, including Blaguss, Nomago, TPO Pastuszak, Eberhardt-Reisen, Anderson Travel, Royal Oostenrijk Group, Global Travel Hungary, Staf Cars, Zarb Coaches, EI Travel and others.
One of the most developed examples is Blaguss in Austria. An initial six-month pilot recorded annualised fuel savings of 1,616–2,052 litres per bus for Blaguss. This led to a broader fleet deployment, including both diesel and electric coaches.
“Solar is a game changer. The pilot delivered clear fuel efficiency gains and CO₂ reductions aligned with our business goals. Based on this, the decision was straightforward: we’re now implementing Green Energy solar systems across the fleet as quickly and widely as possible.”
– Paul Blaguss, CEO, Blaguss
Blaguss’ experience has also provided a valuable reference point for other operators in the network and wider industry. Seeing one member test the technology in real operating conditions, produce measurable results, and then expand adoption helped give others greater confidence to explore solar for their own fleets.
Through GPN’s global community of operators, successful initiatives can be observed, evaluated and adopted across different markets, accelerating the sharing of practical knowledge throughout the industry.
Innovation within transport does not always require a new vehicle or a major change in operations. It can also come through incremental improvements, more sustainable practices and smarter use of existing assets.
Vehicle-integrated solar is one example. Solar energy generated from unused roof space can support onboard electrical demand, reduce the energy that has to be supplied by the engine and alternator, and maintain vehicle batteries. As fleets evolve, solar can be applied across different drivetrains, including electric vehicles.
“One of the key benefits of being part of GPN is gaining access to trusted partners who bring expertise, innovation and practical solutions to our members. Our role is not to promote a particular technology, but to create opportunities for members to learn from real operational experiences and make informed decisions. Partnerships such as the one with Green Energy help our members evaluate new ideas with confidence and prepare their businesses for the future.”
– Sylvia Kalamboukis, Senior Executive Officer, GPNCEO, Blaguss
For Green Energy, one of the greatest benefits of the partnership is the regular opportunity to spend time with GPN members and understand their businesses first-hand.
“What makes GPN special is the strength of the relationships in the network. They know their members well, and the members know and trust each other. So when operators hear about results or new ideas through the network, they carry more weight because operators are hearing from peers they already respect.”
– René Kirkegaard, Sales Director, Green Energy
Twenty years after GPN was founded, connecting operators remains at the heart of the network – giving members access to trusted expertise, practical solutions and shared experience that can help strengthen their businesses today and prepare them for the next twenty.
Read more about Green Energy’s solar systems for buses here
Read more about Global Passenger Network here
