Translink has taken the next steps towards its zero-emission goal with a small fleet of electric Switch Solos
Translink unveiled the first zero-emission minibuses to be added to its fleet at a special preview event in Coleraine recently. The electric Switch Mobility Solos were on display in the town centre, providing stakeholders and members of the public an opportunity to step on board and take a look at the latest emissions-free public transport vehicles in Northern Ireland and the start of plans to decarbonise the fleet in the local area.
Due to enter passenger service later this summer, two buses will operate at the Giant’s Causeway on the shuttle service between the visitor centre and the stones, with a further four buses set to operate on Coleraine town routes. The blue-liveried town service buses will have 29 seats and space for 13 standees, whilst those on the Giant’s Causeway route will wear a turquoise livery and have a slightly different internal layout. Piloting a new payments system, passengers using the new Giant’s Causeway buses will also be able to buy tickets on board using contactless payment methods.
Translink Service Delivery Manager Sam Todd said: “Investment in zero-emission fleet and technology, along with modal shift, is vital to tackle the climate crisis and achieve the emission reduction targets set out in the NI Climate Change Act. We are therefore grateful to the Department for Infrastructure for the essential funding to deliver these new minibuses. The feedback has been very positive, with people impressed with the comfort and quality on board, the USB charging ports and free WiFi, on-board passenger information screens for enhanced accessibility as well as supporting the green credentials.
“We’d like to thank everyone who took the opportunity to learn more about our commitment to decarbonisation, reducing congestion and enhancing air quality. We are working to have completed all the vehicle testing, training and commissioning over the coming weeks, so we are looking forward to welcoming even more people on board this summer.
“Coleraine is the first town to see the launch of emissions-free public transport, more people making the switch will herald the start of a new era in cleaner, greener transportation and a better quality of life for today and for generations to come.”
Edward Mason, General Manager at the Giant’s Causeway, added: “We’re delighted to welcome the new electric minibuses to the Giant’s Causeway World Heritage Site and we’re pleased to see our partners at Translink rolling these out locally.
“Climate Change is the single biggest threat to the precious landscapes and historic houses we care for, and the National Trust is very much part of the global fight. The Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre is specifically designed with a whole host of sustainable features to help protect local wildlife and the environment. As part of this, we have changed all our site vehicles to electric and we’re delighted to see our partners making this change too. We would like to thank our partners at Translink for working together to improve accessibility and for their commitment towards more sustainable travel for everyone.”
Mayor of Causeway Coast & Glens Councillor Steven Callaghan commented: “We are delighted that this summer will see Coleraine receive the first zero-emission buses to operate on the Translink Ulsterbus network. At today’s launch event in Coleraine’s Diamond, it was obvious that the community has a real interest in these new vehicles and the ways in which they will help our planet. As we all endeavour to reduce our carbon footprint, I know the people of the Borough and those visiting will help by supporting these fantastic new, cleaner and greener buses.”
When introduced, the buses will be the first zero-emission buses to operate on the Translink Ulsterbus network, supporting Translink’s vision to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and operate a zero-emission fleet across Northern Ireland by 2040.
