City News

A comparative trial between Britain’s first viable, full-size, battery-powered bus, the Optare Solo EV, and its conventional diesel-engined equivalent is expected to yield valuable findings that could accelerate the introduction of cleaner buses to Britain’s roads.

Leading Warwickshire independent bus and coach operator Johnsons Coach & Bus Travel is a key partner in the pioneering six day trial, which takes place in Stratford-upon-Avon in July. The company brings to the project over a century of practical experience of public transport provision.

The project takes a ‘hands on’ approach to addressing air and noise pollution on congested town streets.  Key data will be gathered by two local academic institutions. Aston University will focus on the practical findings and Coventry University on the socio-economic impacts.

Emissions, fuel consumption and running costs will be compared for both the diesel and the electric vehicle.  Identical in design and appearance, the main difference is in the engineering, resulting in an electric bus that is truly zero emissions and does not emit potentially harmful fumes or gases.  

Coventry University will be looking at the human aspects of the trial. These will include the reactions of passengers, pedestrians, motorists and other road space users, as well as local businesses and drivers of the buses. It hopes to identify any significant differences in view about, or attitudes to, the two types of propulsion system in a real operating environment.

It is expected that publication of the research will provide a sound environmental case and demonstrate commercial viability for the use of electric buses, as well as creating a bank of practical advice for operators.

Glenn Saint, commercial director of Optare, said: “This is a very important trial backed by some serious and intense evaluation by two top academic bodies. The fact that a leading bus operator with immense practical experience and a local authority are also key partners gives it added value. From this trial we expect to gain constructive experience of the merits of electric buses over conventional diesel backed by real and substantial measurement of the relative environmental and human impacts.”

Mr Saint added that he does not see electric vehicles replacing diesel buses entirely. “Electric buses will form another but important part of the portfolio of solutions by which we will balance our need for good public transport services with our wish to enjoy a clean environment.”

The electric bus trial is being co-ordinated by South Warwickshire sustainability consultants Greenwatt Technology and has been jointly funded by Stratford District Council and Stratford Town Trust. Mike Woollacott, Managing Director of Greenwatt Technology, said “We have to address the issues of air quality in our towns as well as our cities. This is an exciting and unique initiative that should put Stratford upon Avon on the environmental map as a UK leader in low carbon, low emission public transport.”

Stratford Park and Ride is a Warwickshire County Council scheme that seeks to improve access to services and facilities while managing the impact on society, the environment, our economy and resources.

Councillor Simon Jackson, Cabinet Member for the Environment at Stratford Council, said: “Stratford on Avon District Council is very pleased to be involved with this project; it is an excellent opportunity to push forward with the development of a more sustainable public transport system for the UK. I am very much looking forward to seeing this project lead to real positive environmental outcomes for Stratford residents and visitors.’’

Based in Henley in Arden, Johnsons Coach & Bus Travel has been awarded a Green Bus Fund grant of £280,000 by the DfT for the purchase of alternatively fuelled vehicles. As a result, the success of the trial could result in seeing more electric buses on the streets of Stratford-upon-Avon very soon.