The first batch of zero emission, electric double decker buses were welcomed by Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon. The first batch of buses is set to enter passenger service in Belfast from Monday 28 March 2022.
The launch of these vehicles, which will be the first of their type to enter passenger service on the island of Ireland, represents a landmark moment for Belfast as the start of a move towards innovative, smarter and cleaner transport solutions for a modern city. The new zero emission fleet, made up of 80 Battery-Electric and 20 Hydrogen buses, will be gradually introduced over the coming months and will mean around 33% of all Metro services will be net zero carbon.
Minister Mallon said: “I recently visited Wrightbus where I had the opportunity to see at the first hand their expertise and the technologies they use to build the new buses. I also met with some of the staff working on the project for us so I am delighted today to welcome the first batch of completed buses for our Belfast Metro fleet. When they enter service next week, they will be the first Double Decker battery electric buses in passenger service on the island of Ireland.
“The remainder of the buses will be delivered in the coming weeks and from this summer Translink will have the fourth largest fleet across these islands of zero emission buses – demonstrating my commitment to ensuring Northern Ireland is building a cleaner, greener society.”
Speaking about this important milestone, Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive, said: “This is a very exciting time in public transport, as we start to realise our ambitious plans to transform public transport and decarbonise our fleet. The new buses, which will run on sustainably sourced electricity, will offer the latest standards in comfort, quality and accessibility with in-seat USB chargers, WiFi and new accessibility features.
“They will also come with double doors for getting off, facilitating faster journey times, and improving fresh air flow on board for passengers. With new contactless ticketing also being introduced, these developments will bring a step change in the overall customer experience”.