South West transport company First West of England has unveiled its latest double decker dream vehicle – a bio-methane powered bus with greenhouse gas emissions that leave it 84% cleaner than your average bus – and confirmed there will soon be many more joining the fleet after a £4.79million government fund was secured.
The biogas used to power the bus comes from ‘recycled’ common household food waste produced by households across the city, making its fuel completely sustainable and renewable. So next time you dump your leftover scraps in the brown bin, you’ll be pleased to know you might be fuelling your future ride to work!
“We were chosen to be the first place in the UK to test this particular type of innovative bus technology”
James Freeman, managing director of First West of England, comments: “We are immensely proud to bring this premium double decker to Bristol so soon after the manufacturers offered it to the market. Its low emissions and biogas credentials are just what is needed in a city that is faced with air quality challenges and increased congestion. This biogas bus helps to improve local air quality as it produces fewer emissions than traditional diesel engines.”
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The first bus, which has been ferrying passengers round the city for the last few weeks, can be spotted by its green livery and playful bubble painted decorations. But don’t think you’ll hear it roaring along the streets of Bristol, its high-tech biogas engine also results in a quieter and improved journey experience for passengers.
Mhairi Threlfall, cabinet member for transport, adds: “I’m delighted to support the launch of the first double-decker bus using biogas here in Bristol. It’s a testament to our good partnership with First that we were chosen to be the first place in the UK to test this particular type of innovative bus technology.”
A green fleet
They are not stopping at just one however; the £4.79m fund from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles will mean there could be as many as 110 on Bristol’s roads by 2019, helping the city to progress in reducing harmful air pollution and meet legal limits.
“I’m delighted that the Bristol area has once again been successful in securing essential transport funding”
In fact, the additional buses would mean that over half of First West of England’s Bristol fleet would be low emission or low carbon.
Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, says: “I’m delighted that the Bristol area has once again been successful in securing essential transport funding and this grant has the potential to unlock millions to clean up our bus fleets and improve the quality of life for our residents and visitors.
“To improve the flow of people across the region, we must work together with other authorities and private operators like First, to transform our transport network and we are making good progress. I’m grateful to First for their commitment to delivering more low-emission vehicles and by doing so, helping us tackle unacceptable levels of pollution in Bristol.”
The biogas powered bus, the number 1, will cover Cribbs Causeway through the centre of town, Temple Meads train station and down to Broom Hill from Monday 21 August. You can find out more on the First West of England website or follow them on Twitter here: @FirstBSA.
Shona Wright
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