Expansion of Next-Generation Biofuel 'IRD' Road Demonstration: Starting Decarbonized Operations on Local Bus Routes in the Nagoya Station/Sakae-Tsushima Area
Meitetsu Bus is expanding its road demonstration using the next-generation biofuel 'Idemitsu Renewable Diesel' (IRD) to local bus routes in the Nagoya-Tsushima area, following successful trials in express buses. Operations are scheduled to begin on May 26.
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- 📰 Published: May 22, 2026 at 23:30
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## Meitetsu Bus Expands 'IRD' Demonstration to Local Bus Routes
Meitetsu Bus Co., Ltd. is expanding its road demonstration of the next-generation biofuel 'Idemitsu Renewable Diesel' (hereinafter 'IRD'), previously conducted with short-distance express buses, to local routes in the Nagoya Station/Sakae-Tsushima area. Through this initiative, the company aims to contribute to the realization of a decarbonized society and the sustainable development of the local community.
### 1. About the Next-Generation Biofuel 'IRD'
IRD is a next-generation biofuel sold by Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. that can be used as a substitute for diesel fuel. It is attracting significant attention as a fuel capable of reducing CO2 emissions to effectively zero. Since April 2025, Meitetsu Bus has been using IRD supplied through Meitetsu Area Partners Co., Ltd. for demonstration runs in short-distance express buses. Over a year has passed since the start of the trials, and safe and stable operations continue.
### 2. About the Demonstration
The local bus vehicles introduced in this new phase are notably fueled with IRD from the manufacturing stage. Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation is participating in this demonstration to provide professional insight as a vehicle manufacturer and to confirm the detailed effects of IRD on the vehicles.
### 3. Overview of the Demonstration
- Operating Office: Meitetsu Bus Tsushima Office
- Operating Routes (Planned):
- Nagoya-Tsushima Line (Sakae/Meitetsu Bus Center - Yasumatsu - Otsubo/Tsushima Station)
- Iwatsuka Line (Meitetsu Bus Center - Subway Iwatsuka - Otsubo/Tsushima Station)
- Up to 5 round trips (approx. 150 km) per day on the above routes
- Scheduled Start Date: May 26 (Tue)
- Estimated CO2 Emission Reduction: Approx. 51 tons per year
- Vehicle Used: 1 Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus vehicle, model 2PG-MP38FK (Unit 1601)
Meitetsu Bus Co., Ltd. is expanding its road demonstration of the next-generation biofuel 'Idemitsu Renewable Diesel' (hereinafter 'IRD'), previously conducted with short-distance express buses, to local routes in the Nagoya Station/Sakae-Tsushima area. Through this initiative, the company aims to contribute to the realization of a decarbonized society and the sustainable development of the local community.
### 1. About the Next-Generation Biofuel 'IRD'
IRD is a next-generation biofuel sold by Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. that can be used as a substitute for diesel fuel. It is attracting significant attention as a fuel capable of reducing CO2 emissions to effectively zero. Since April 2025, Meitetsu Bus has been using IRD supplied through Meitetsu Area Partners Co., Ltd. for demonstration runs in short-distance express buses. Over a year has passed since the start of the trials, and safe and stable operations continue.
### 2. About the Demonstration
The local bus vehicles introduced in this new phase are notably fueled with IRD from the manufacturing stage. Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation is participating in this demonstration to provide professional insight as a vehicle manufacturer and to confirm the detailed effects of IRD on the vehicles.
### 3. Overview of the Demonstration
- Operating Office: Meitetsu Bus Tsushima Office
- Operating Routes (Planned):
- Nagoya-Tsushima Line (Sakae/Meitetsu Bus Center - Yasumatsu - Otsubo/Tsushima Station)
- Iwatsuka Line (Meitetsu Bus Center - Subway Iwatsuka - Otsubo/Tsushima Station)
- Up to 5 round trips (approx. 150 km) per day on the above routes
- Scheduled Start Date: May 26 (Tue)
- Estimated CO2 Emission Reduction: Approx. 51 tons per year
- Vehicle Used: 1 Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus vehicle, model 2PG-MP38FK (Unit 1601)
FAQ
What is the purpose of this demonstration experiment?
The purpose is to achieve a decarbonized society and sustainable development of local communities through public road operation using next-generation biofuel 'IRD', while also thoroughly verifying the impact of the fuel on vehicles.
Which routes and start date are planned for the demonstration experiment?
The experiment is planned to start on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, on the Nagoya Tsushima Line and the Iwatsuka Line.
What are the features of the next-generation biofuel 'IRD'?
IRD is a diesel alternative fuel sold by Idemitsu Kosan that can reduce CO2 emissions to virtually zero.
What level of CO2 reduction is expected?
We expect to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 51 tons annually.
How is the vehicle manufacturer involved?
Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation is participating and will use its expertise to thoroughly verify the impact of IRD on vehicles.