In a society driven by hand-held technology, Peter Pan Bus Lines is adapting, and reducing its carbon footprint in the process.

While conveniently placed power outlets, internet connectivity, and flat-screen monitors may be the norm at the latest coffee shops, the Springfield-based transportation company is making those same features just a part of your standard bus trip.

"We offer free Wi-Fi on all of our motor coaches.” said Robert Schwarz, executive vice-president of Peter Pan Bus Lines. “Plus we're one of the very few bus companies in America now with our new buses offering seatbelts."

At about $500,000 each, these new, state-of-the-art motor coaches also include more leg room, fold-down trays, customized seat fabric, wheelchair lifts, and GPS-tracking in the driver's compartment.

Schwarz said the total investment in the new buses is approximately $15.5 million. 30 brand-new motor coaches are expected to be on the road by July, with another 18 motor coaches being refurbished with the same features.

While the upgrades provide more comfort for the passenger, perhaps the true innovation is the clean-diesel technology. In their efforts to reduce emissions as mandated by the EPA, Peter Pan Bus Lines was awarded with the prestigious Green Coach Certification.

"We're real excited about it.” said Thomas Picknally, senior vice president of Peter Pan Bus Lines. “Not only have we been able to eliminate particulate emissions, but we have also designed these so that we increase our fuel mileage by about ten percent."

With the company spending about $40,000 a day on fuel, that extra ten percent adds up to a lot of savings.

"We think it magnifies the efficiency. It keeps to the forefront how efficient bus travel is. It's the most efficient travel on the planet."