Northern Ireland operator Translink has placed an order for a further 100 zero emission buses from Wrightbus.
The new battery electric vehicles, a mix of single-deck and double-deck StreetDeck Electroliner and GB Kite Electroliner vehicles, are part of an £88m investment that includes associated infrastructure.
A total of 40 buses will be allocated to Ulsterbus services in the North West, Coleraine and Craigavon, while 60 buses will be deployed in Belfast.
The single-deck buses will be the new Wrightbus battery electric model, offering an extended journey range on a single charge.
All the new buses will run on sustainably sourced ‘green’ electricity, with the latest standards in comfort, quality and accessibility, including in-seat USB chargers, WiFi and low-floor accessibility features.
The vehicles are due to enter service by summer 2024.
Translink’s announcement follows the successful roll-out of 100 zero emission buses on Belfast Metro services this year, along with the planned conversion of Foyle Metro services in Derry/Londonderry to net zero emissions by summer 2023.
The investment will be key to helping Translink to achieve its climate action target of a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2040.
Chris Conway, Chief Executive of Translink Group, said: “This further significant investment in Zero Emission buses supports our plans to decarbonise our fleet and lead the transport transformation in Northern Ireland for a cleaner, greener and healthier future for generations to come.”
