Sustainable Transportation Policy

We acknowledge the tremendous impact transportation imposes on economic, social and environmental aspects. We, therefore, integrate all these concerns in our policy in order to develop optimal solutions to issues like carbon emissions and environmental degradation. We encourage our clients to choose the most sustainable transport available for their travel. We collaborate with our suppliers to imin the transport services with respect to the Policy.

Scope

This policy will be a part of the Sustainability Policy. The policy is applicable to all the transport services used by our company. This policy comes under effect after the approval by Managing Director and circulation to all staff. The policy will be thoroughly reviewed every 2 years to ensure its relevancy and consistency. In case of any inconsistency, the Managing Director or any authorized officer shall initiate the corrective measures.

1.  Sustainable Transportation Principles

Our Sustainable transportation policy is based on the following principles:

1.1  Efficiency and safety

Public transportation that can accommodate  bigger  volumes  is  preferred  to  private transportation. We highly discourage the use of private and single-occupancy travel. Considering the level of comfort and efficiency, our company prefers tourist bus companies to local bus companies.

For the Guests, land transfer is preferred to flying. We make sure all vehicles arenew latest low emission vehicles having pollution sticker from the Government.

1.2  Fair mobility

The transport company should follow government rules and regulations strictly. All vehicles must be maintained on a regular basis. We make sure that the drivers and helpers are provide fair working conditions (minimum wage, reasonable working times, proper breaks, etc.).

1.3  Minimum effect on the environment and society

We prioritize sustainable practices in company-owned transportation services and seek the same level of commitment among our suppliers so that we can its environmental and social impacts..

2.  General Sustainability Considerations

The following considerations are made in the operation of below-mentioned transportation services:

2.1  Public buses

• We choose tourist buses over general public buses, as tourist buses are comfortable, efficient and they adhere to the rules strictly.

• Our company actively participates in the meetings of transportation companies and

committees and provide advices and recommendations for the sustainable improvement of the transportation system.

2.2  Own Vehicles

• In case of request for private transportation by our clients, we use our most energy efficient vehicles considering the size of the group.
• All our vehicles hold green sticker.
• All our vehicles have first aid kit and waste collection bag.

2.3  Vehicles from Third Party

• The supplier should provide right vehicles as per the group size.
• All vehicles should hold green sticker.
• All vehicles should be regularly and properly maintained.
• All vehicles must have first aid kit and waste collection bag.

2.4  Drivers

• Our drivers are well aware about our sustainable transportation guidelines and follow our Code of Conduct for drivers without failure.
• Our drivers should be physically and mentally fit to ensure safe driving.
• They are well informed on health and safety regulations and traffic rules.
• They have quality driving skills and ensure safety for our Clients.
• They have good communication skills and proper social etiquette.

2.5  Flights

• Considering the poor road condition and longer travelling distances in some parts of Nepal, we sometimes use flights to save time.

3.  Code of Conduct for drivers

All drivers who operate for us shall follow the mentioned codes of conduct.

3.1  Safe driving

• Check your vehicle prior to the journey to ensure that your vehicle operating conditions. Checks should include
  • Proper inflation of tires;Clean windows;
  • Mirrors properly adjusted;
  • Brakes, lights, windscreen wipers, and wash jets are in working order.
  • Not to use Mobile phones while Driving
  • Honk Less
• Drive within the speed limit at all times. Take extra care during hazardous road condition like curves, on damaged or unpaved top layer, in rain or fog etc.
• Wear a seat belt at all times, and ensure passengers do the same.
• Look as far ahead as possible and anticipate what other traffic is going to do.

• Avoid unnecessary braking and fast acceleration.
• Do not abuse other road users and clients. Drive courteously and be extra careful around pedestrians and cyclists.
• When you know you will have to stop soon, release the gas, and roll out in free gear.
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol, medications or other drugs that are likely to affect driving performance. Do not drive if you are unfit to do so.
• Perform the duties in a way which does not adversely affect your own health and safety or that of others;
• Mobile phones will not be answered while driving, unless hands-free option is available..When leaving the vehicle, properly lock it and ensure that any personal belongings of our guests are kept safe.
• Immediately report any matters that may affect safety and comfort of the clients.

3.2  Energy efficiency

• Switch to a higher gear quickly (when you drive 80 km/h, you should drive in 5th gear | when driving 50 km/h, in 4th gear)
• Drive at a uniform speed at a high gear as much as possible to decrease fuel consumption considerably.
• Turn on the engine just before leaving only. If you want to cool the vehicle for the passengers, turn on the engine only five minutes before the guests arrive.
• Switch off the engine when you have to wait.Switch off air conditioning and engine when guests are on an excursion.
• Coordinate with the tour guide to let you know when they are about to return so that you can turn back on the engine only five minutes before the guests arrive.

3.3  Sustainable management

• Always keep your vehicle clean and comfortable for our clients.
• Keep your vehicle smoke-free.
• Take care of your hygiene.
• Follow the appropriate social etiquette like being courteous, dressing properly etc.
• Help the passengers into and out of the vehicle if required.
• Keep a waste bag/bin on board and make sure the passengers use it properly.
• Empty the waste bag regularly, at least once a day.
• Be responsive to the requests from the passengers like adjusting your driving style if requested.
• Use the horn in necessary situations only.
• Make sure that your actions will not disturb the neighborhoods you passthrough..