Cambridge’s Park & Ride network to benefit from fleet of 22 Euro 6 ADL Enviro400s, representing a £4.7m investment
Stagecoach East has launched a fleet of 22 Euro 6 Alexander Dennis (ADL) Enviro400 MMC buses on the Cambridge Park & Ride network, all of which utilise stop-start technology.
The operator’s new Park & Ride fleet is using a new version of the technology which was introduced to the bus industry six months ago. It prevents buses from running the engine while loading and unloading passengers at bus stops. Instead, the system automatically switches the engine off as soon as the driver activates the handbrake and opens the doors – thereby reducing pollution by restricting the discharge of particulate matter and nitrous oxide emissions during these times.
The Euro 6 technology also features an ongoing safety system which checks if a bus is giving out more emissions than it should be. This causes it to go into ‘limp mode’ and effectively shuts the vehicle down.
The 22 new buses – which all feature the redesigned colour-coded Park & Ride livery – represent a £4.7m investment by Stagecoach East.
Andy Campbell, Managing Director of Stagecoach East, said: “This is the very latest technology and was only just available when we ordered the new Park & Ride fleet.
“The principle is a simple one: turn the engine off when the bus isn’t moving and it will use less fuel, improving overall economy and, very importantly, lessening emissions.
“We see this as being a positive step forwards and a significant contribution towards improving air quality in congested Cambridge, reducing our environmental impact and hopefully encouraging more customers to opt for our greener, smarter travel.
“Looking after the environment is an important consideration for us as we have frequent bus services running every 10 minutes. When we look to invest in future vehicles, we will be looking to buy in the same technology or whatever future enhancements are available.
“We are committed to investing in our services as we aim to deliver the highest standards of public transport in our city, both now and in the future.”
As well as improved engine efficiency and a higher standard of emissions, the new Park & Ride fleet provides on-board WiFi, USB sockets and improved passenger seating over the previous vehicles – 07 plate Enviro400s.
