Northern Ireland Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has announced a £29m investment in new coaches and buses for Translink’s Goldline and Metro fleet for Ulster.
The Minister visited the Europa Bus centre in Belfast where he saw a sample of the 87 new Scania Irizar Goldline Coaches and 58 Wright-bodied Volvo single and double-decker buses for urban Metro routes. The Department for Regional Development has provided funding towards their acquisition.
Danny Kennedy said: “A number of the Goldline Coaches and Metro buses have already entered service this month with the remainder to be introduced later this year and in early 2013.
“The coaches will be delivering enhanced express services on key (longer journey) Goldline routes. When all these new coaches are in service, the majority of Goldine Express journeys will be operated with modern vehicles. These new coaches are of a very high standard of comfort and quality.
“WiFi has also been retro-fitted to a number of the coaches in the current fleet giving passengers access to free internet on key Goldline routes from early October. Translink also plans to offer free WiFi on most Goldline services from early 2013.”
The Metro-branded buses are replacing older single-deck buses in the fleet making all Metro Services low floor. The additional doubledeckers will ensure Translink enhances passenger capacity on busy routes.
Catherine Mason, Group Chief Executive, Translink said: “This major investment in our bus fleet ensures we continue to provide accessible and attractive bus services for Northern Ireland and we welcome and thank the Minister and his Department for their ongoing support.”
