Athens News Agency: News in English, 06-01-07

Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] PM inaugurates new natgas refuelling station, says replacement of urban bus fleet being mulled

[01] PM inaugurates new natgas refuelling station, says replacement of urban bus fleet being mulled

The station, built and operated by DEPA, the Public Gas Corporation, is the largest of its kind in Europe and environment friendly, as its high-tech facilities ensure zero hydrocarbon emissions.

The project, which cost 4.9 million euros, was funded 25% by the European Regional Development Fund, another 25% through the Development Ministry's 'Competitiveness' operational programme, and 50% by DEPA.

The station has a capacity of refuelling up to 36 buses per hour, and a delivery capacity of 5,000 cubic meters of natural gas per hour.

Some 500 buses will be using the refuelling station at Anthoussa, while 415 will be refuelling at the Ano Liosia station.

Karamanlis said that, under the plan being examined, the replacement of the urban bus fleet would begin in the greater Athens are and Thessaloniki, and gradually spread to other cities throughout the country.

Also addressing the inauguration ceremony, development minister Dimitris Sioufas said that a study for extention of natural gas use to private cars would be completed by summer, while the prospect of purchasing natural gas-powered garbage pick-up trucks was also being examined.

Transport minister Michalis Liapis presented the programme for extention of the mass transport networks for 2006.

Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article