Monday 15 November 2010

Liverpool buses run on vegetable fat

Liverpool buses run on vegetable fat

Six buses in Merseyside are running on recycled vegetable oil.

Merseytravel and Stagecoach Merseyside are launching the initiative as part of an EC-funded project to promote the production and use of sustainably produced biofuels in transport.

The two-year trial will see six Stagecoach vehicles run on a blend of biodiesel supplied by north-west producer Convert2Green. The mix includes 30% biodiesel from waste vegetable oil which reduces the overall CO2 emissions from the buses by up to 25% compared to standard diesel.

Stagecoach launched the UK's first Bio-buses in Kilmarnock in 2007 and the trial in Liverpool is hoped to boost biofuel confidence in UK bus operators. The trial results will monitor vehicle reliability and fuel consumption, and will then be made to other bus operators who want to use sustainable biofuels.

Merseytravel chief executive Neil Scales said: "By supporting this trial and working with local producers, we are at the forefront of promoting fully sustainable biofuels and significantly reducing CO2 emissions."

Stagecoach regional director Robert Andrew said: "Sustainability is at the heart of our business. Public transport is one of the solutions to the global challenge of climate change and we believe that new technology, such as the use of bio-fuel, and pro-bus policies are crucial if we are to get people to switch from the car on to our greener smarter services."

Written by

Bruna Pinhoni

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