The operator’s electric fleet has clocked up over 530,000 miles since it was launched in early 2023
Funded by Ireland’s National Transport Authority (NTA) and operated by Bus Éireann, the two-route Athlone town service is the country’s first all-electric bus service, and has attracted passenger growth of 25% since its introduction a year ago as well as saving an estimated 400,000kg of CO2 emissions. The project was officially launched on 29 January last year, and during its first year the 11 zero-emission electric buses have completed over 530,000 emission-free kilometres.
Representing a €10 million investment by the NTA, Athlone’s bus service became the first project to launch under the Irish Government’s Pathfinder Programme – a list of exemplar transport projects to be delivered by local authorities and agencies around the country within three years. The service is operated by a fleet of BYD Alexander Dennis Enviro200EV single-deck battery-electric buses.
The next phase of the electrification of Bus Éireann-operated public bus services will see the first electric buses operating services in a regional city when the first tranche of 34 double-deckers begins entering service in Limerick this spring based at Bus Éireann’s Roxboro depot.
Chief Executive Officer of Bus Éireann Stephen Kent said: “We are delighted to mark this milestone of the Athlone service. The launch of the service in January 2023 is an important step in our journey to supporting the delivery of the Government Climate Action Plan.We are proud to operate this environmentally friendly and accessible service for the people of Athlone, helping to sustainably connect this community. The Athlone project, as well as the upcoming transition of our Limerick city service to zero-emission bus operation, underscores our dedication and collaboration to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030.
Chief Executive Officer of Ireland’s NTA Anne Graham added: “The launch of the all-electric service in Athlone has proven to be a significant milestone on the journey to a zero-emissions bus fleet for our towns and cities.
”For the last year, the people of Athlone – and not just our customers – have benefited from buses that are cleaner, quieter, more comfortable and more attractive. The experience we have gained here with our colleagues in Bus Éireann is already standing us in good stead as NTA rolls out similar programmes in other parts of the country.”
