The Evolution of Fastest Buses: From Biomethane-Powered Innovations to Electric Speed Demons
The Evolution of Fastest Buses: From Biomethane-Powered Innovations to Electric Speed Demons
When one thinks about the fastest bus in the world, the term may conjure images of sleek electric buses or even lightweight biogas vehicles. However, the benchmark for speed has seen considerable evolution, driven by advancements in technology and innovative fuel sources. In this article, we explore the current status of the fastest buses in the world, with a focus on the groundbreaking Reading Buses 'Bus Hound'.
Introduction to Buses and Their Speeds
Let's first clarify what 'bus' means in the context of public transportation. Buses are categorized broadly into several types, such as electrical buses (AC and DC), which are powered by electricity, and digital buses, which can run at incredible speeds due to their high baud rates. Baud, in this context, refers to the speed at which data is transmitted over a channel, typically measured in symbols per second. In the realm of buses, high baud rates might imply advanced communication systems and control technologies, though the speed of travel is a separate metric.
The World’s Fastest Bus: A Biomethane-Powered Innovation
A British bus has recently set a new land speed record for a service bus, breaking the previous norms with impressive performance. The Bus Hound, operated by Reading Buses, ran on biomethane compressed natural gas (CNG) recovered from cow manure and reached speeds over 75 miles per hour (mph). This achievement not only highlights the potential for renewable fuels in public transportation but also sets a new benchmark for the fastest service-use street-legal bus.
The official record, verified by the UK Timing Association, recorded an average lap speed of 76.785 mph around Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedford. While this bus, not modified save for the removal of its speed limiter, usually caps at 56 mph, the significant increase in speed demonstrates the technical feasibility and environmental benefits of biomethane as a fuel source.
Bus Hound Details
The Bus Hound, named for the Bloodhound supersonic car that plans to break the 1000 mph barrier, is one of 34 vehicles operated by Reading Buses, which run on CNG. Together, these vehicles constitute 20% of the provider's fleet. The bus is painted in a black and white livery, resembling a Friesian cow, to emphasize its connection to renewable resources.
Powered by compressed biomethane derived from the anaerobic digestion (AD) of organic waste, including cow manure and raw food waste, the Bus Hound showcases the renewable and sustainable nature of the biomethane fuel. The gas, which is drawn from the gas grid and compressed at Reading Buses' site in Great Knolls Street, is produced by placing organic waste into tanks devoid of oxygen, allowing microbes to digest the matter and break it down into methane and a digestate by-product.
EIGHT composite gas tanks stored on the roof of the bus power the vehicle and can hold 1200 litres of gas. Reading Buses highlights that this fuel is much cleaner than regular fuel, producing 'no particulates and no hydrocarbons' as well as reducing nitrogen oxide emissions by 55%. This significant environmental benefit underscores the potential for biomethane to revolutionize the public transportation sector.
A Commitment to Renewable Energy in Public Transport
Reading Buses' plans to add the UK’s first biomethane double-decker to its fleet demonstrates a clear commitment to sustainable transportation. As the world seeks more environmentally friendly solutions, biomethane presents a compelling alternative to traditional fuels. By harnessing the power of renewable resource management, Reading Buses is leading the way in innovative and eco-friendly transport solutions.
Conclusion
From cutting-edge electric buses to state-of-the-art biomethane-powered vehicles, the fastest buses in the world are evolving rapidly. The Bus Hound's remarkable achievement demonstrates not only the potential for high-speed travel in public transportation but also the importance of renewable and sustainable fuel sources. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovations in the world of buses, pushing the boundaries of speed and sustainability.