Roll-out of Nottingham’s bio-gas bus fleet completed

53 double deck buses powered using renewable bio gas are now running on Nottingham city streets, completing the roll-out of a £16.8 million project to reduce emissions from the city’s bus fleet.

With the first of the buses entering service last summer and the final vehicle joining the fleet last week, the new buses are expected to emit 3,500 tonnes less CO2, 35 tonnes less NOX and ¾ tonne less particulate matter each year from the city’s bus fleet.

Representatives of ADL, NCT and Scania with the 53rd Bio-gas bus to enter service in Nottingham

The vehicles have been delivered in part due to a £4.4 million grant from the government’s OLEV Low Emission Bus Scheme, alongside an investment of £12.4 million by Nottingham City Transport.

This has seen gas fuelling facilities installed at NCT’s main Parliament Street Bus Garage and the first 53 Bio-Gas double deck buses enter service on seven routes — 6, 10, 24, 25, 36, 44 and 45.

The engines and chassis of the sleek new Enviro400CBG City Bio-Gas buses have been developed by Swedish giant Scania and are bodied in Britain by the country’s largest bus manufacturer, Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL).

Emissions

Mark Fowles, NCT Managing Director commented: “Our Bio-Gas double deck buses are the greenest buses on the road, with significantly lower emissions throughout the entire ‘well to wheel’ process of fuel generation, transportation and use. With Nottingham City Transport now operating 53 of these super environmentally friendly buses, we’re delivering cleaner air for Nottingham with the largest fleet of Bio-Gas double deck buses in the world.”

Mark Oliver, Scania UK Bus & Coach Fleet Sales General Manager said: “With emissions of carbon dioxide reduced by up to 84 percent, the introduction of this gas-powered double-deck bus fleet — the world’s largest fleet of its type — represents an important milestone for Nottingham City Transport and Scania as together we look to drive the shift towards a more sustainable transport future.

“We are delighted to be involved in this important environmental programme, and are sure many other public transport operators around the country will now look to follow Nottingham’s lead.”

The buses are powered using gas produced by anaerobic digestion of food waste and sewage.