Some Stagecoach vehicles in Sheffield are switching from diesel to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) engines as part of a £1m scheme.
Clean Bus Technology Funding from the DfT is being used to retrofit five buses with dedicated CNG engines, which will run on biomethane.
The scheme, which has been part-funded by Stagecoach Yorkshire, will reduce engine noise by 50% and ensure the virtual elimination of particulate matter from exhausts.
Paul Lynch, Managing Director, Stagecoach Yorkshire, said: “We are delighted to have been successful in securing this significant Clean Bus Technology Funding.
“It forms part of our continued commitment to improving air quality by switching from diesel to cleaner fuels. Along with our own investment into the scheme, it supports the reduction of reliance on diesel as a primary fuel source in the future.”
Five Euro 4 Optare Solos will be fitted with the CNG engines and will operate along Stagecoach’s SL2 and 35a services.
The hilly routes, which create an increase in emissions because the vehicles are working at capacity, are within the city’s Air Quality Management Area and provide an important link to Stagecoach Supertram serving the city centre, Hillsborough, universities and Meadowhall.
The investment also includes the installation of a CNG refuelling station at Stagecoach’s Ecclesfield depot.
Sheffield City Council led the Clean Bus Technology Fund bid in partnership with Stagecoach as part of the Sheffield Bus Partnership.
The scheme will start in the New Year, when Stagecoach expects to announce more details on the jobs created.
