First hydrogen deckers enter service in NI
Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon and Transport Minister, Rachel Maclean, have welcomed the first hydrogen powered double-decker buses entering service in Northern Ireland.
The arrival of the three new hydrogen fuel-cell buses from Wrightbus is the culmination of a zero-emissions bus pilot project. Translink together with the Energia Group formed a consortium which successfully bid for part funding from the Office of Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) with the remainder of funding from the Department for Infrastructure. The overall capital investment represents around £4m.
The three new Hydrogen fuel-cell electric buses will operate on Translink Metro services across Belfast.
Wrightbus Chairman, Jo Bamford, said: “We are incredibly proud to supply the first-ever hydrogen-powered double decker buses in Ireland, and we’re just as proud to be building them locally in Ballymena.
“These world-leading Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles are a major step to improving air quality and meeting Northern Ireland’s net zero commitment, as well as helping to revolutionise its public transport system and boosting the local economy.
“We’re delighted that Translink and the Northern Ireland Executive have backed not only this initiative in Belfast, but have also made a wider investment into public transport by agreeing to introduce 100 zero emission buses on the streets across Northern Ireland.
“It’s proof that Northern Ireland is pushing to be at the forefront of the world stage when it comes to pioneering zero emission solutions.”