Bus operator Translink is set to roll out one of the largest fleets of zero emission buses in the UK across its routes in Northern Ireland.
The operator has unveiled the first electric double decker – Ulsterbus – part a new mixed fleet of 40 Wrightbus double and single decker buses soon to operate in Derry~Londonderry, Limavady, Strabane, Coleraine and Portadown, helping to decarbonise regional bus fleets.
In addition, a further 60 electric buses for Metro in Belfast, will mean 50% of the fleet there will be made up of zero emission and 50% low emission models.
Funded by the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, the buses will improve the passenger experience, providing users with quieter and more comfortable journeys.
They also meet enhanced accessibility standards and come with the latest passenger experience features, such as Wi-Fi, USB charging sockets and digital audio-visual next stop announcements.
Delivery of the fleet will begin this month with the last vehicle arriving in the first quarter of 2025.
The new fleet will also be supported with high tech charging infrastructure at bus depots.
Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive said: “We have ambitious plans to be climate positive by 2050 and the roll out of these buses is another huge milestone in our journey to achieve this.”
Jean-Marc Gales, Chief Executive of Wrightbus, based in Ballymena 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.”
