Driving Efficiency: Tuffa Tanks Fuel Plymouth City Bus’ Expansion in Cornwall

Plymouth City Bus, with roots tracing back to the 19th century, embarked on a significant expansion by winning tenders for three new routes in Cornwall. To facilitate this growth, the bus company needed efficient and self-sufficient refueling facilities at their newly constructed depots in Penzance, Newquay, and Scorrier.

The Challenge: With strict deadlines and a tight budget, Plymouth City Bus sought a turn-key solution for diesel and AdBlue dispensing. The goal was to achieve self-sufficiency, reduce fuel costs, and enable quick bus refilling.

The Solution: Triscan, a seasoned fuel management provider, partnered with Tuffa Tanks to deliver a comprehensive solution. Tuffa’s 15,000 litre plastic bunded diesel tank, the highest capacity plastic tank in the UK, was recommended for each site. This not only provided high-capacity storage but also proved cost-effective in the long term.

Advantages of Tuffa Tanks:

Cost-Effective Storage: The 15,000 litre capacity reduced the frequency of refills, offering long-term cost savings.
Lead Time and Cost Efficiency: Tuffa’s plastic bunded tanks, with the capability to rotomould in this capacity, avoided longer lead times and increased costs associated with steel tanks.
AdBlue Solution: A 2,500 litre plastic bunded AdBlue tank complemented the diesel tank, offering convenience and cost-effectiveness with AdBlue’s extended storage life.

Implementation: Tuffa swiftly executed the proposal, utilising a UV-stabilized and corrosion-resistant polymer for rotomoulding. The tanks were equipped with secure dispensing equipment, including pumps, gauges, and digital flowmeters to integrate with Triscan’s fuel management system, Apollo 2.

Benefits of Fuel Management System:

Security: Enhances security and reduces the risk of fuel theft.
Operational Insights: Provides data on stock levels and accurate MPG figures, aiding in identifying mechanical issues and optimizing driver performance.

Efficient Construction: The Triscan team efficiently constructed refuel stations at each Cornwall site, including new concrete bases, horseshoe bollards, kill switches, and spill kits to ensure safety and prevent accidents.

Conclusion: With the implementation of Tuffa’s high-capacity plastic bunded tanks and Triscan’s fuel management system, Plymouth City Bus now operates efficiently across their new Cornwall routes. The mini forecourts at each dedicated depot ensure timely refilling, fulfilling the company’s tender commitments and delivering passengers to their destinations seamlessly. The collaboration between Plymouth City Bus, Tuffa Tanks, and Triscan showcases the synergy of industry expertise, innovation, and reliable solutions in the ever-evolving public transportation landscape.