Automotive

Wrightbus secures £66m order for 145 zero and low emission buses

Updated on Thursday 3 December 2020, 2:24 PM

3 Minute Read

The decarbonisation of public transport in Northern Ireland has taken a significant leap forward with a new contract for 145 zero and low emission buses.

Representing an investment of around £66 million by the Department for Infrastructure, the programme will include the buses supplied by local firm Wrightbus and the associated infrastructure.  This will form a key part of Translink’s Net Zero Emissions Strategy and will be fundamental in creating cleaner and greener transport to positively impact the climate emergency and air quality.

The 100 zero emission buses comprise 80 Battery Electric Vehicles and 20 Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles and will be the most environmentally-friendly buses in Ireland.  They will be deployed between Metro in Belfast and Foyle Metro services in Derry.  There will also be 45 low emissions buses for Ulsterbus services across Northern Ireland.

Announcing the funding Infrastructure Minister Nichola 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.

“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.

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:

“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 CEO Buta Atwal said:

“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 ordered earlier in the year are due to enter passenger service before the end of this year. They will only emit water – no Green House Gases or other pollutants – and are the first of their kind in Ireland.  All the new buses are due to be in service during 2021/2022.

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