Luton-based start-up company Blue Bus Innovations is the first company in the UK to operate gas-powered minibuses, after ordering three IVECO Daily Line Hi-Matic vehicles.
The firm will take delivery of three 16-seater gas vehicles, and three 19-seater diesel-powered Daily Tourys minibuses –making it an all-IVECO fleet.
The gas vehicles provide the operator with performance comparable to diesel, and produce 12% fewer NOx emissions, 76% less particulate matter, and up to 95% less CO2 emissions when fuelled using bio-methane.
They are built on a 4,100mm wheelbase and are powered by IVECO’s 3.0-litre, 140bhp engine with an eight-speed Hi-Matic automatic transmission.
The firm says both passengers and driver will enjoy the benefits of the quieter gas engine – which is at least 4dB lower than its diesel equivalent.
Managing Director Tazio Puri Negri, says: “We pride ourselves on being a responsible business. While we strive to offer our customers the best service, we are also aware we need to minimise our impact on the environment.
“That’s why we turned to IVECO; its natural-gas offering is the best on the market and was the only choice for us as we get our business on the move. And with emissions restrictions set to get even tougher, we will look to increase our fleet of alternative fuelled minibuses.”
Blue Bus Innovations provides seats on its shuttle buses from strategic pick-up and drop-off points in central London, to-and-from Luton Airport between 0700-2300hrs daily.
