Executive investing £66 million in 145 new eco-friendly buses

by PA Media

Stormont is investing £66 million in 145 new eco-friendly buses.

Infrastructure minister Nichola Mallon said the purchase of the zero and low emission vehicles from Ballymena manufacturer Wrightbus would help deliver a “green recovery”.

This investment is part of public transport operator Translink’s Net Zero Emissions Strategy to create cleaner and greener transportation.

The investment will deliver 100 zero emission buses, comprising 80 battery electric vehicles and 20 hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles.

They will be deployed between Metro in Belfast and Foyle Metro services in Londonderry.

There will also be 45 low emissions buses for Ulsterbus services across Northern Ireland.

Ms Mallon said: “Cleaner, greener, sustainable transport is key to protecting our environment and fighting the climate crisis.

“I have an ambitious vision for a low carbon future where we make low emission public transport accessible to people and communities across Northern Ireland.

Delighted to annouced £66m in investment to deliver 145 zero & low emissions buses - delivering cleaner greener public transport as part of our Green Recovery from Covid & our determination to act to tackle the climate emergency.https://t.co/ePIwWER9e0

— Nichola Mallon (@NicholaMallon) December 2, 2020

“I have been clear since coming to office that we must act now to deliver the change that our communities and our citizens deserve.

“Following my budget announcement in June, we are now seeing the investment of almost £66 million for the purchase of zero and low emission vehicles filter down to our local economy, with Wrightbus producing the 145 new vehicles that will enter the Translink fleet and be put into public service.

“My Department has allocated funding of £66m in line with New Decade New Approach commitments to deliver a step change in cleaner greener public transport as we tackle the climate crisis.

“Today marks a very positive step forward that will create jobs, encourage investment, as well as being pivotal in cutting the level of emissions.”

Translink Group Chief Executive Chris Conway said: “Translink is leading the transport transformation to net zero emissions, we are responding to the climate emergency and driving positive change for a healthier and more sustainable transport for future generations.

“This bus order is just the start of an exciting new era for public transport in Northern Ireland as we work to build back responsibly following Covid-19.

“Investment in a new zero emission fleet is great news for everyone, helping tackle the global climate emergency we all face and improving local air quality.”

Wrightbus is proud to lead the way in zero-emissions transport, with our world-first hydrogen double-decker alongside pioneering battery technology; we're at the vanguard of a #greenrevolution.

Designed & built in the UK. Helping the world breathe again. https://t.co/8XsZmnLjyU pic.twitter.com/5yb8ucgwhP

— Wrightbus (@Wright_bus) November 24, 2020

Wrightbus CEO Buta Atwal added: “We are delighted that the Department for Infrastructure and Translink has shown strong leadership in its commitment to reducing emissions.

“Investment in hydrogen, electric and low-emission buses and the wider energy sector, can only be good for jobs in Northern Ireland. We have the climate and the technology to drive fundamental change here and position Northern Ireland as a world-leader. This order of 145 buses is a significant step and we are proud to work alongside Translink to achieve these goals.”

The first three hydrogen-powered double decker buses, which were ordered earlier in the year, are due to enter passenger service before the end of 2020. All the new buses are due to be in service by 2022.