A bus that makes the air cleaner has been launched in Southampton by one of the countries biggest bus and rail operators.
Launched on Thursday, the Go-Ahead Group’s ‘Bluestar bus’ features a specially designed filter that removes ultrafine particles from the air and traps them as the bus moves through streets.
Go-Ahead’s Chief Executive David Brown said: “As the bus removes the ultrafine particles from the air as it travels along the route, it is helping solve the air quality problems of the city.
“This bus will clean the air on its route 1.7 times a year to a height of 10 metres - imagine the change we could make to air quality if all buses had this technology.”
The company decided to launch in Southampton because the World Health Organisation (WHO) revealed the city is at its limit of acceptable unsafe air pollution.
The associated health problems of outdoor air pollution are linked to 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide, according to the WHO.
In the UK, the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs estimates that air pollution reduces the life expectancy of residents by six months on average.
The air filter was manufactured by Pall Aerospace, the world’s largest aerospace and defence filtration company.
Go-Ahead has been in the headlines recently for less favourable events, as they are the majority owners of Thameslink and Southern Rail, which have been criticised heavily for regular delays and cancellations on their services.