A 40-seater Bio-Bus, which runs on gas generated through the treatment of sewage and food waste (that’s unfit for human consumption), is being trialled on the A4 between Bristol and Bath.
It was launched today, with the first passengers to get on board the Bio-Bus being visitors to the UK who were commuting from Bristol Airport to Bath.
The bus, with its rather distinctive wrap promoting sustainable fuel and leaving you in no doubt where it is sourced from, is being operated by Bath Bus Company.
Movement from movements
Running on waste products that are both renewable and sustainable, the bus can travel up to 300km on a full tank of gas. The biomethane gas is generated at Bristol sewage treatment works – a plant run by GENeco, a subsidiary of Wessex Water. GENeco also provides the gas it generates to the national gas network.
The engineers behind the scheme believe the Bio-Bus could provide a sustainable way of fuelling public transport – cutting emissions in polluted towns and cities.
“The bus is actually powered by people living in the local area, including quite possibly those on the bus itself”
GENeco general manager Mohammed Saddiq said: “Through treating sewage and food that’s unfit for human consumption we’re able to produce enough biomethane to provide a significant supply of gas to the national gas network that’s capable of powering almost 8,500 homes as well as fuelling the Bio-Bus.
“Gas powered vehicles have an important role to play in improving air quality in UK cities, but the Bio-Bus goes further than that and is actually powered by people living in the local area, including quite possibly those on the bus itself.
10,000 passengers a month
Collin Field, engineering director, at Bath Bus Company, said: “Up to 10,000 passengers are expected to travel on the A4 service in a month, which is available not only for airport travel, but also local journeys along the route through Saltford, Keynsham, Brislington, Knowle and Hengrove.
“The timing of this initiative could not be more appropriate as we approach 2015 when the City of Bristol itself becomes European Green Capital”
“The timing of this initiative could not be more appropriate as we approach 2015 when the City of Bristol itself becomes European Green Capital. With so much attention being directed towards improving air quality generally, the public reaction to the appearance of this bus on a service between a World Heritage City and an airport will further focus on the potential for this particular fuel.”
- You may like: Calling all developers: win up to £50K with the Bristol 2015 European Green Capital Challenge
The bus will carry its first fare-paying passengers on the 8am departure from Bath to Bristol Airport on Monday 24 November 2014. You can see more projects at Geneco’s website, or follow Geneco on Twitter here.
