The initial batch of Bristol’s new 2020 biomethane buses are now in service, as part of First West of England’s major investment in improving Bristol’s air quality. The ten new double-decker vehicles are converting the M3 metrobus route to biomethane, offering a more than 80% reduction in greenhouse gases (GHG) and a 95% reduction in NOx to help transform the city’s air quality.
Other routes across the east of the city are set to benefit from a further 67 biomethane buses in coming months, forming a major part of the company’s efforts to meet Bristol’s Clean Air Zone requirements ahead of 2021.
“At First West of England we’re investing to make our buses part of the solution in helping to clean up the city’s air. These 77 biogas buses are not only 95% less polluting but will also, we hope, encourage more people to leave their cars at home and jump on the bus, with an improved level of service on offer,” said James Freeman, Managing Director at First West of England.
“As this new fleet takes to the roads this spring, and with the opening of a major biomethane station at Lawrence Hill – 2020 looks set to be an exciting year for First West of England,” he added.
Battery electric buses have zero tailpipe emissions, but the GHG emissions from their creation and charging result in the entire process of energy flow – from the mining of the energy source to a vehicle being driven – being 19% higher than a biomethane bus, which uses renewable, sustainable fuel. Biomethane buses also have an equivalent range (250 miles) to diesel buses, which means they can stay on the road for longer.
Source: First West of England
