Blue Bus Innovations has become the first UK company to operate compressed natural gas-powered (CNG) minibuses.
The Luton-based start-up has taken three 16-seater CNG Iveco Daily Line Hi-Matics and three 19-seater Daily Tourys minibuses on a five-year lease from Iveco Capital, including the full Iveco repair and maintenance package with supplying dealer Iveco Retail in Croydon.
The CNG vehicles provide performance comparable to diesel. MD Tazio Puri Negri is impressed with their green credentials – 12% fewer NOx emissions, 76% less particulates and up to 95% less CO2 thanks to using bio-methane.
He says: "While we strive to offer our customers the best service, we are also aware we need to minimise our environmental impact.
"With emissions restrictions set to get even tougher, we will look to increase our fleet of alternative fuelled minibuses."
The firm’s shuttle minibuses run from on-demand pick-up and drop-off points in central London, to/from Luton Airport from 0700-2300hrs daily, with fares from £7.99, using an app.
The CNG minibuses have a 4.1m wheelbase and use a 3-litre, 140hp engine, which is also 4dB quieter than its diesel equivalent.
