A fleet of more than 100 new low-emission buses powered by gas (bio-methane) could be introduced to the Bristol region in the next few years after a multi-million pound government grant was secured. It comes as the first double decker bus to be powered by waste food goes into service in the city this week.

The £4.79m funding from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles will help unlock a £28m investment by First West of England to potentially transform a significant part of their fleet into bio-methane powered buses.

With previous investment, the additional buses would mean that more than half of First West of England’s Bristol fleet would be low emission or low carbon.

The new buses, which could start running by 2019, will help Bristol reduce harmful air pollution to meet legal limits. They will operate in locations where the most benefit will be gained in reducing pollution, including the city centre, Staple Hill and other neighbouring authority routes.

The funding will help introduce 110 new gas powered buses, 30 of which will be introduced into MetroBus services.

The fleet of biogas buses will help reduce air pollution. Credit: PA

This grant has the potential to unlock millions to clean up our bus fleets and improve the quality of life for our residents and visitors. Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol

The grant was submitted to government by the West of England councils (Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset, and North Somerset) and First, and formally led by South Gloucestershire Council.

Bus company First says it's delighted with the funding announcement.