The SMT of Mendoza is the first urban passenger company to implement gas technology in the Cuyo city. After verifying these good results, he purchased 20 units.
Scaniabrand belonging to Traton Grouptogether with the Mendoza Transportation Society (STM), operator of passenger transportation in the city of Mendoza, Argentina, managed to reduce consumption and improve comfort thanks to the units Green Efficiency from the Swedish terminal.
The company evaluated the results obtained with the implementation of the 20 CNG buseswith which they transport 30% of the passengers that travel monthly on the company’s lines, and now seeks to expand the fleet with this technology.
How and where Scania CNG buses operate
With almost 500,000 people mobilized per month for CNG buses, STM carried out the test for several months and recognized that the change is highly positive, since 38% savings in fuel consumption, and environmental and noise pollution, and the level of vibrations are reduced. The company began this change in 2021, with the aim of replacing the units powered by diesel engines and has already acquired 20 units.
«The idea of thinking about CNG comes from the change in Mendoza’s energy matrix. STM is the Government’s witness and is a promoter of these new technologies, so that the rest of the vehicle fleet opts and has certain elements to use it, and can see that it is a convenient product. Furthermore, in Mendoza we are stuck in a ‘gas bubble’, and that is why we turned to CNG,” commented Daniel Vilches, president of the Board of Directors of STM.
Another key fact is that A joint venture was made with a captive CNG filling station, and in one of the warehouses where bus logistics is centered, the units are recharged. They have a quick beak which makes the full charge in 8 minutes, in such a way that it is a process that allows them not to waste time recharging the tanks.
Jorge Vittar, Bus Sales Manager at Scania Argentinacommented that “Since we came into contact with the STM company, there were good results with the testing of the buses, and the drivers began to be trained to optimize performance when driving and taking advantage of technology. They are low urban buses for picking up and dropping off passengers, with four CNG tanks and a range that lasts an average of 280 km.”
Sandro Milazzotto, Regional Manager of Scania Argentinaexplained details about fleet maintenance: «Since the buses began operating at the end of March 2023, all services have been contracted at the dealership with the Scania Maintenance Plan, and we are currently finalizing details for the signing of an agreement for 400,000 km or 4 years for the Maintenance Program. R&M maintenance, which includes preventive treatment of the units, which benefits the permanent operation of the service and the reduction of unforeseen stops.”
STM and Scania continue to work together on new developments, with the objective of implementing the use of biomethane as fuel more efficient and sustainable.
