A new fleet will enable passengers in Derry~Londonderry to travel on zero-emission buses thanks to investment from Translink
Northern Ireland’s Translink unveiled its new zero-emission Foyle Metro bus fleet at a special preview event in Derry~Londonderry. The new single- and double-deck buses were put on display at the city’s Guildhall Square to give stakeholders and members of the public the opportunity to see them first hand. The new 38-vehicle fleet will enter service later this year, making Derry~Londonderry one of the first cities in the UK and Ireland to run a fully zero-emission urban bus service.
Mayor of Derry City Sandra Duffy said: “We are delighted that the Foyle Metro fleet will soon become a zero-emission fleet. As the first council in the North to declare a climate emergency, this step fully aligns with our aspirations to meaningfully tackle this important issue. I would encourage all of our citizens to make the most of this service and leave the car at home where possible.”
Ian Campbell, Director of Service Operations at Translink, added: “We were pleased to have the opportunity to showcase this new fleet and I’d like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who came along and to the Department for Infrastructure for essential funding to deliver these new buses.
“Transport has a significant role to play in tackling the climate crisis. This project supports Translink’s vision to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and operate a zero-emission fleet across Northern Ireland by 2040 – all of which is vital for tackling the climate emergency and driving change for a better quality of life for future generations. More people making the switch to cleaner, greener public transport and active travel will help deliver a better future for our people, our planet and our prosperity. As a new era in emissions-free public transport emerges, we look forward to welcoming you on board the new zero-emission Foyle Metro service later this year.”
The buses are being supplied by locally-based Wrightbus. CEO Jean-Marc Gales commented: “We are delighted to be supporting Translink in the drive to transform transport in Northern Ireland and help build a more sustainable future. Our electric buses – the GB Kite Electroliner BEV and the StreetDeck Electroliner BEV – are manufactured and assembled at our Ballymena factory, which means support for jobs in Northern Ireland, and wider across the UK through our domestic supply chain.
“We’re proud to say our StreetDeck Electroliner BEV is the world’s most efficient double deck battery-electric bus and we have taken that technology into the development of our single deck which has also been classed as the most efficient on the UK’s roads. We’ve created the most efficient vehicles by combining optimum power with a class-leading rapid charge, meaning our electric buses spend more time on the road than any other. We’re confident passengers in Derry~Londonderry will enjoy the experience.”
Work is also underway to install 22 vehicle chargers in Translink’s Pennyburn depot, enabling 44 buses to be charged sequentially overnight, with future proofing for an additional 19 bus charging stations. As well as USB charging ports and WiFi, the buses will be fitted with a camera mirror system and a new audio-visual passenger information system.
TOM HEANEY/NWPRESSPICS
