The Lincoln gas bus project is coming to an end, with all of the buses set to be taken out of service by the end of April.
Dave Skepper from Stagecoach explained to CBW that in the original business plan for the project, the savings made from running the buses on gas by comparison to the cost of diesel were supposed to cover the leasing costs of a permanent gas fuelling station.
However, the challenges presented by the technology meant that there were significant additional engineering costs incurred in getting the buses to run properly.
“We also had an extended period of time when all of the Solos had to be taken out of service for work on the engine conversions, which meant that there were unanticipated fleet replacement costs during this period while the gas buses were off the road,” Dave said.
“Since all of the technological issues were resolved and we have been able to run the gas buses reliably, we have continued to fund premium rental charges for the temporary gas tanker fuelling station.
“All of these circumstances have led to the project running out of money for investment in a permanent fuelling station, which has estimated costs of just under £0.5m.
“Although the Department of Transport recognised the technological achievements by the Lincolnshire partnership in finally making the buses run reliably on gas, unfortunately there were insufficient unallocated funds to provide a further grant to deliver the permanent fuelling station.”
As a result, Stagecoach and Lincolnshire County Council both agreed to end the project on the grounds that it is uneconomic to continue.
Dave added: “Once all of the buses are out of service a decision will be made about their future.”
