Park & Ride switch to low-carbon fuel will improve air quality and reduce emissions
Winchester’s Park & Ride buses are getting a green upgrade as part of a recently agreed contract between Winchester City Council and bus operator Stagecoach.
From spring 2024, all Park & Ride buses will switch from diesel fuel to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a renewable fuel that will reduce the buses’ greenhouse gas emissions. HVO-fuelled vehicles can reduce carbon emissions by up to 90%.
The switch to HVO is part of Winchester City Council’s plan to tackle the climate emergency and part of its action plan to becoming carbon neutral.
The new fuel will also contribute to improved air quality, as HVO produces around 30% fewer fine particulates and hydrocarbons, 25% less carbon monoxide and 10% less nitrogen oxide than diesel. HVO Fuel will only be purchased from accredited, sustainable sources.
Speaking about the change, Cabinet Member for the Climate Emergency Cllr Kelsie Learney said:
"We’re really proud of our Park & Ride service and we actively encourage car visitors to our city to use it to help improve air quality and reduce congestion in the city centre.
"I’m really pleased that the service will now become an even greener option as we make this switch to HVO fuel. This is an interim step to allow us to be greener faster as we transition to a fully carbon neutral service using electric vehicles when cost and infrastructure allows."
Stagecoach South Managing Director Marc Reddy said:
"We're really proud to continue our long partnership with Winchester City Council and take the service to an even cleaner, greener, level this year.
"Investing in the latest technology is not only part of our national strategy to be zero-emission by 2035, but ensures we help improve air quality in the city, looking after the communities we all live and work in."
The city’s park & ride service has five car parks on the outskirts of the city centre running Monday – Saturdays as often as every 10 minutes during peak times and every 15 minutes at off peak times.