Anglian Bus takes first MAN Ecocity gas buses 11 December 2012

Anglian Bus in Beccles has taken delivery of the first six of 13 new MAN EcoCity biogas-powered buses following a feasibility study that demonstrated financial payback in two and a half years, with help from the Green Bus fund.

The East Anglian PCT operator has gone for the low-entry version of the MAN EcoCity and maximised seating at 43.

"I'm convinced it's the fuel of the future," says Andrew Pursey, managing director at Anglian Bus, of the CNG (compressed natural gas) fuel. "Early signs of significant cost savings for Anglian Bus are very positive," he adds.

Anglian Bus first viewed the MAN EcoCity at EuroBus Expo 2010, and became one of the first operators to trial an RHD demonstrator last year (2011).

"Unlike other alternative drive system conversions, MAN's gas engine is designed from the ground up," continues Pursey.

"As a result, it provides a complete solution rather than a quick fix. Alongside MAN and the Gas Bus Alliance, we did the sums, and it soon became apparent that biogas was the future for Anglian Bus."

Pursey says that MAN's purchasing arrangements also helped, and adds that these initial six buses were delivered three weeks early.

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd

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