A HYDROGEN-POWERED bus made a clean, green appearance in Winchester on June 16 to mark the Adapting Services to Address Climate Change Conference being held in the city’s Guildhall.

The bus, that can seat up to 90 passengers, has a range of 650 miles and produces zero emissions, proved a hit attraction with passers-by on The Broadway.

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The conference, led by Winchester City Council, discussed a range of key issues relating to the work local authorities are doing in relation to climate change. The bus featured as part of a ‘Hydrogen – the way forward?’ debate, looking to include this technology in the fleet of local authority vehicles.

Attendees addressed climate change issues and discussed how local authorities can adapt to using more environmentally friendly transport services such as alternative fuels and hydrogen vehicles, which are fundamental to offsetting the effects of climate change.

Dr Robert Best, director of engineering at Wright Bus, spoke to attendees about the operational issues with hydrogen vehicles, and how they can support the local government sector. 

The arrival of the bus to showcase greener transport options was masterminded by Cllr Brian Laming. Cllr Laming said: “I have a passion for making change for the better. As soon as I heard APSE were coming to Winchester for their conference focusing on how local councils address climate change, I saw this as an opportunity to show the leaps and bounds that are being made in transport innovation.” 

Cllr Kelsie Learney, cabinet member for climate emergency, said: “We have a strong commitment to zero carbon buses, refuse freighters and other vehicles providing local services and this is critical technology for decarbonising longer distance travel. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the future and this bus certainly shows us what the potential direction of travel could be for sustainable public transport.”

The next APSE event is its summit in Glasgow on October 5 and 6.

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