| Substitution of conventional fuels with LPG/bio-diesel fuels, used in the public transport vehicles in Sofia, BG |
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Sofia (Bulgaria)
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| A programme of the Sofia Municipality for introduction of natural gas into the public buses, operated by the municipal transport company. |
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Background & Objectives
In 1989 the Sofia Municipality started a programme for introduction of LPG into the public bus fleet. The programme is carried out through the municipal company Sofia Autotransport EAD, with co-financing by the Bulgarian Ministry of Environment and Waters.
The programme is implemented through a number of projects, including conversion of diesel engines into methane ones, purchase of new methane-fuelled buses, construction of natural gas distribution pipeline and compressor stations.
Major targets
Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is the biggest civic and industrial centre of the country. The number of the motor vehicles is constantly increasing, which contributes to the high enough air pollution of the city.
The main target of the programme, started by the Municipality, was the reduction of air pollution. Furthermore, the need of increasing the quality of the transport services and the heightening of its efficiency were aimed by the programme.
Major results and lessons learned
Currently, 55 buses on diesel-methane and 13 buses on methane are in operation.
The exploitation of these buses in 2008 reduced the year consumption of conventional fuel by 4,53%.
Construction of a distribution gas pipeline and of two gas compressor stations was carried out.
More Information
The acceptance of the measure has been quite positive.
The future plans of the transport company include increasing of the number of the “green” buses, however, due to a lack of funds, this process might delay.
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Author
Vera Genadieva
Contact
Vera Genadieva
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