Biomethane bus refuelling station builds on the legacy of the Bio-Bus

Building on the legacy of the GENeco Bio-Bus, the £960,000 station in Bedminster will serve the city's 22 biomethane gas-powered buses, providing fuel storage and easier refilling at the pumps.

The UK’s first bus powered by food waste, as well as sewage, was launched by GENeco in Bristol in November 2014.

Famously nicknamed the “poo bus”, it was fuelled by biomethane gas generated at our bioresources and renewable energy park in Avonmouth.

Biomethane is a natural gas produced by breaking down organic materials such as food waste and manure.

Since the Bio-Bus’ introduction, the number of biogas-powered buses across the country has grown, with many newer models relying on food waste to meet demand.

The new station, at the Bristol Community Transport (BCT) bus depot, replaces a temporary facility and will fuel buses on the m1 Metrobus route, operated by BCT under contract to First Bus.

First Bus managing director James Freeman said: "We're taking meaningful steps to clean up the city's air.

"That's why we're making significant investments to bring a fleet of biomethane gas buses into Bristol, building on the legacy of the famous 'poo bus'.

"The Metrobus m1 route is paving the way and this new filling station means that biomethane gas buses will now be a permanent feature in the city."

A further 77 biomethane gas-powered buses are planned to roll out in the city by April next year.