The Transition of Transport Buses Over the Years
Public buses and coach hire buses are recognised as one of the very important factors for the mobilisation of any city. Municipal authorities and fleet operators are constantly aiming at giving out the best services to the necessity of the public.
In this blog, we take a look at the outstanding development and progress of transport buses over the years. Here at eCoachManager, we bring you the best news and information on the transport industry. Visit eCoachManager blog pages to be kept abreast with the coach and bus industry related news.
Diesel–Powered Buses
Several decades ago, diesel–powered buses were the standard and dominated the roads. All municipal bus fleets and transport operators commended its advantages because of the economical cost of diesel fuels, broad accessibility to fuel pumps, delivers better fuel mileage and as well as robust engine performance.
Although diesel engines offered all these great features, it also produced harmful effects. Diesel engines cause health problems and illnesses to everyone being exposed short–term in diesel exhaust. It also leaves a long–term negative impact on the environment for emitting higher carbon content. Thus, resulting as one of the major contributing factors to smog formation and the global warming today.
Everyone realised how huge this problem posed and that is why people started wanting to use an alternative eco–friendly fuel to power those buses.
Alternative Fuel – Compressed Natural Gas Buses
In recent years, new hybrid buses have been introduced using alternative fuels to power their engines. These new buses are using compressed natural gas (CNG) to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. Many fleet operators started shifting to these new buses because it presented a solution for the existing air pollution issues. And also, it offered compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
When diesel and petrol pump prices started rising around 2008, It helped to capitalise CNG’s growth. Some of the market share that diesel engine buses enjoyed and had been dominating for years started dropping. But despite the positive outcome it brings for the environment, it also had its disadvantages.
Compressed natural gas uses cylinders and require large space for storage. Thus, these cylinders are already heavy even if they don’t have any gas inside. The longer mileage required meant the more cylinders would be needed. So as a result compressed gas, can add more weight and thus heavier loads to the vehicles.
Alternative Fuel – Electric Buses
Another alternative eco–friendly fuel that offered a promising outcome is the innovative electric type. Electric buses don’t need any liquid or gas for fuel and only require a battery to be operational. As well as this it does not discharge any smoke or harmful substance that can cause any negative effect on the environment and well–being, so it’s safe for both environment and people.
Battery–powered buses are now increasing their numbers on the roads. It will soon take away the large market share of both diesel and CNG powered buses. Even cities around the world are increasingly favouring electric buses, because they conform with government set goals in reducing the air pollution through switching to zero–emission buses in this coming years.
Although at the present, purchasing electric buses is more expensive than diesel or compressed natural gas. But if we consider the overall expense of the vehicle lifecycle like fuel cost and maintenance expenses, electric buses will offer a much lower total cost of ownership. Because it requires fewer parts replacement and is easier to maintain compared with diesel or CNG powered buses.
It is even projected that lithium battery prices will be more affordable within five years from now. Hence electric buses will have a lower upfront cost and thus making it an attractive option.
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