March 3, 2023. A bus 100% powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) will become part of urban public transport in the metropolitan region of Curitiba, Brazil. The action is part of the sustainable urban mobility project through the use of natural gas, carried out by Compagas (Companhia Paranaense de Gás) together with the Paraná Metropolitan Affairs Agency (AMEP) and the State Government, in partnership with Scania. The chosen operator was Viação São José. The demonstration on the metropolitan line will last 30 days and the objective will be to certify the efficiency indicators, in particular, the reduction of polluting emissions.
The use of natural gas allows a significant reduction of pollutants in the atmosphere. Compared to diesel, gas vehicles emit a rate that can be up to 20% less CO2. The benefits are also directly related to the health of the population. The reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) is almost 90% and particulate matter reaches 85%. The effects are short-term, with a lower rate of cardiovascular disease and loss of productivity caused by these contaminants.
If feasible, the idea is to expand the fleet of public transport vehicles in the state with buses that use natural gas in the future. With the tests approved, the municipalities must expand their fleet powered by CNG, so that the cost of operation is lower, since diesel in everyday life ends up being expensive for public transport.
The Scania bus during the demonstration will be part of the Viação São José fleet. The chosen route was the São José/Guadalupe line, which will cover more than 280 km daily between São José dos Pinhais and Curitiba. The vehicle is of the standard type and model K 280, 13.2 meters long and with capacity for 86 passengers. This is the first time that a gas unit has been tested on a metro line.
The K 280 4×2 model has a 280 horsepower engine. Its engine is Otto Cycle (the same concept as cars) and it runs 100% on natural gas and/or biomethane, or a mixture of both. It is not converted from diesel to gas, comes with a factory warranty, safe and reliable technology, consistent performance and endurance similar to diesel, and is quieter.
