Translink receives first electric buses from Wrightbus in Northern Ireland
Initially, 40 buses will be delivered for Ulsterbus, which will be used in Derry-Londonderry, Limavady, Strabane, Coleraine and Portadown. A further 60 electric buses are to go to the Belfast Metro in Northern Ireland. Once delivery is complete, 50 per cent of the bus fleet will consist of zero-emission, fully electric buses.
The new modern buses, which are co-financed by the Ministry of Infrastructure, will improve passenger comfort and offer passengers significantly quieter and more comfortable journeys. According to the contractors, the buses will also meet improved accessibility standards and be equipped with modern features for passengers, such as Wi-Fi, USB charging sockets and digital audio-visual announcements of the next stop.
Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive, said: “These are exciting times with our zero-emission fleet set to transform bus travel across NI helping to attract more people to stay better connected by bus. We are proud to play our part in delivering a cleaner, greener and more sustainable society.” The Translink Group is aiming to be carbon neutral by 2050 and the introduction of these buses is another major milestone on that journey, Mr Conway added.
Jean-Marc Gales, Managing Director of Wrightbus, added: “Wrightbus has worked closely with Translink on the development of these buses reducing carbon emissions in Northern Ireland, helping attract more people to travel by public transport. Together we have created market-leading technology which is now sought the world over supporting the region’s manufacturing sector creating and sustaining highly skilled green jobs.”
Delivery of the fleet of 100 electric buses, which was ordered in autumn 2022, will begin this month, with the last vehicle due to arrive in the first quarter of 2025. Two types of buses were ordered: the double-decker StreetDeck Electroliner and some are examples of the solo bus GB Kite Electroliner. The new fleet will be supported by a charging infrastructure at the local bus depots.
3 Comments