The 21 double-deck Scania ADL Enviro400 CBG buses have 70 seats, wheelchair space, Wi-Fi and USB charging points, and were funded by Asset Alliance Group on a long-term hire purchase contract.
The biomethane is generated from food and farm waste and sewage, and is carbon neutral. It delivers an 80% reduction in greenhouse gases and a 95% reduction in nitrogen oxides compared to Euro VI diesel engines.
Dai Powell, chief executive of HCT Group, says: “Being able to provide an alternative fuel fleet has been instrumental in expanding our services in Bristol and helping make public transport in the area more sustainable, and among the best in the country.
“Asset Alliance Group has supported us for more than 20 years, and their advice is invaluable. They always provide us with carefully negotiated, flexible, and cost-effective funding for our fleet, and we knew they would do the same for our new alternative fuel vehicles.”
The vehicles are refuelled at a £960,000 biomethane filling depot, which First West of England opened in July.