Translink Unveils New Electric Buses for Northern Ireland

On May 30th, Northern Ireland's Translink introduced its first electric double-decker Ulsterbus, marking a significant milestone in the country's public transport sector. This bus is part of a 100-unit order from Wrightbus, with 40 buses set to operate in cities like Derry~Londonderry, Limavady, Strabane, Coleraine, and Portadown. The new fleet aims to reduce emissions and promote sustainable travel.

The addition of 60 electric buses for Metro services will mean that 50% of Belfast's fleet will be zero-emission, contributing to cleaner air and a greener city. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in June 2024 and will continue until early 2025. The new buses will also feature advanced charging infrastructure at local depots.

Funded by the Department for Infrastructure, these buses promise a more comfortable and quieter travel experience. They will include modern amenities like Wi-Fi, USB charging sockets, and digital audio-visual announcements, enhancing the overall passenger experience.

Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive, highlighted the impact of the new zero-emission fleet on Northern Ireland's bus travel. He emphasized the company's goal to become climate positive by 2050 and praised the collaboration with Wrightbus and other stakeholders in achieving this milestone.

Wrightbus Chief Executive, Jean-Marc Gales, noted that the partnership with Translink has been pivotal in reducing carbon emissions and encouraging public transport use. He praised the innovative technology developed through this collaboration, which supports the local green economy and creates new jobs.