Civitas Measures

Measure

Cleaner Vehicles

To use biodiesel at up to 30% concentration to demonstrate its technical feasibility and environmental advantages

Objectives / Innovative Aspects

To trial clean engine technologies in the Preston bus fleet which will increase engine efficiency, fuel efficiency and reduce environmental impacts, primarily air pollution.
To use biodiesel to demonstrate its technical feasibility and environmental advantages in city fleet vehicles.
To operate the vehicles on a high-profile route serving the city centre thereby increasing public awareness of alternatively powered and fuelled vehicles and their advantages.

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The Measure

At least three different hybrid bus options (suitable for use with 30% biodiesel) will be assessed.
A preferred vehicle will be selected and negotiations/procurement undertaken. Additional funding will be sought and a business case will be built for the purchase of hybrid buses, biodiesel fuel, and fuelling station.
Infrastructure works for a biodiesel fuelling station will be carried out and any additional equipment required for servicing will be acquired.
Suitable biodiesel will be sourced and procured.
Necessary driver and fitter training will be carried out.
Seven hybrid buses will be introduced on a high-profile route serving the city centre.
Monitoring of fleet operation will be ongoing.

Related Measures

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Implementation Status

A business case outlining why hybrid buses and mass biodiesel are no longer part of Preston’s plans has been submitted and accepted by the political board. Resources have been redistributed from this measure to other measures, particularly to ensure the development and applicaton of Smart Cards and integrated ticketing.
The clean engine buses were introduced on high-profile routes serving the city centre in the same way that hybrid vehicles would have been used. Monitoring of fleet operation was largely carried out by FIREPOWER, the commercial company who installed the new technology. FIREPOWER have been persuaded that their participation in CIVITAS SUCCESS will be part of the dissemination programme should the trials be successful.

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(Expected) Results

Introduction of (min.) five trial vehicles using clean engine technologies
Use of biodiesel at concentrations up to 30%.
Improved fuel consumption.
Reduced vehicle emissions.
Improved image for public transport services