Biogas buses for clean public transport

Many cities are trying to phase out diesel buses, which are reliable but not environmentally friendly. Berlin, Lisbon and Italy provide the best examples.

Models like this CNG-powered Citymood bus from Industria Italiana Autobus, among others, could soon be in use. Source: Industria Italiana Autobus

Climate-friendly, quiet and state-of-the-art buses are to be living proof that modern mobility can benefit citizens, the climate and the economy. Consip, the central public procurement agency in Italy, has therefore announced a new contract for the supply of 1,000 gas-powered city and cross-country buses. 800 CNG-powered buses and around 200 LNG-powered buses from the four manufacturersScania, Industria Italiana Autobus, Iveco and Otokar will soon ensure greater sustainability in local and suburban public transport in Italy.

By refuelling with biogas, CNG-powered buses can be operated in a virtually net CO₂-neutral manner, making them an alternative and sustainable solution for local public transport. They also help to improve air quality in urban centres and, compared to a conventional diesel model, stand out thanks to their low operating costs.

German Transport Minister Volker Wissing (center) at a presentation of funding notifications for buses with alternative drives. Source: BMVD

Clean engine technologies are becoming increasingly important in cities and regional public transport – and not only in Italy! This is also confirmed by the German Transport Minister, Volker Wissing: “Particularly in cities with a large number of buses, alternative engines can make a huge contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions, pollutant emissions and noise – and thus to improving the quality of life. That’s why we specifically support the transition from diesel buses to alternative engines.” According to the will of the FDP politician, 50% of city buses will be powered by alternative, climate-friendly engines by 2030.

Bus operator Transdev GmbH Berlin also plans to use 110 biogas buses in the future. Source: Transdev GmbH Berlin

Since 2021, Germany has been funding the conversion of bus fleets to climate-friendly engines as part of the “Guideline on the Funding of Alternative Engines in Passenger Transport.” The funding program is deliberately designed to be technology-neutral, in order to provide the right technology option for every application context. Transdev GmbH Berlin, for example, wants to use 110 biogas buses in the future, but has also ordered batteries and fuel cell buses for its area of operation.

Bus manufacturer Iveco has just received a major order from Portugal. TST – Transportes Sul do Tejo S.A. has ordered a fleet of 290 Crossway buses and daily minibuses. All painted in bright yellow, they are intended to ensure climate-friendly and safe passenger transport in the south of the Portuguese capital Lisbon over the next seven years for the “Carris Metropolitana” in the Portuguese municipalities of Almada, Seixal and Sesimbra. (pd/jas, 14 July 2022)

In the Portuguese municipalities of Almada, Seixal and Sesimbra, CNG-powered buses will also be on the road in the future. Source: Iveco Portugal