Life’s a gas for Nottingham City Transport, with MAN EcoCity 14 September 2012
Nottingham City Transport says that initial feedback from its new MAN EcoCity aluminium bodied gas bus demonstrator has been extremely positive.
After just three weeks of the 10-week trial, Nottingham, which is the principal bus operator for the area, says it is now looking forward to the savings potential from the ultra-clean gas drive system – potentially up to 30% over its existing diesel-engined buses.
MAN EcoCity features an E2876 LUH 04 (EEV) gas engine, providing 272bhp and 1,050Nm of torque. That's matched to a ZF automatic gearbox 6 AP 1200 Ecolife with integrated retarder. Four aluminium composite gas tanks provide for 1,176 litres of fuel.
MAN's 17,900kgs 17,900kg gvw gas bus has been doing well since its introduction into the bus market, with in-service trials commencing in the spring.
Orders, notably from Arriva, have already been confirmed and further trials are scheduled with other bus operators over the coming months.
"We're very pleased with initial feedback," comments Anthony Carver-Smith, of Nottingham City Transport.
"It's still a little early to substantiate MAN's claims, although preliminary figures are extremely positive. We'll need a few weeks before we can draw any solid conclusions," he continues.
"We can say, however, is that our drivers and passengers are unanimous in their praise for the MAN EcoCity gas bus, often describing the vehicle as quiet, spacious and smooth."
A key part of the success of the gas bus programme's development has been MAN's partnership with the Gas Bus Alliance, which specialises in setting up the required gas infrastructure.
The organisation offers operators a free initial set-up with the costs built into ongoing gas prices. With these prices so much lower than conventional fossil fuels, the savings in operation should be considerable.
Author
Brian Tinham
Related Companies
MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd
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