Minister unveils first Electroliner in service

Northern Ireland’s Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon, has unveiled the first of 80 electric double-deckers due to be in passenger service in spring 2022. The vehicles are part of her £74million investment for 100 zero-emission buses, which also includes 20 hydrogen-fuelled buses and a programme of associated infrastructure works.

The announcement follows Mallon’s announcement of funding of around £30million for 38 new battery electric buses for Foyle Metro in Derry.

“We’re delighted that Translink will be the first operator to put our Wrightbus Electroliner into passenger service” – Wrightbus MD, Neil Collins

Wrightbus MD, Neil Collins, said: “We’re delighted that Translink will be the first operator to put our Wrightbus Electroliner into passenger service. It seems incredibly fitting that passengers in Northern Ireland will be the first to benefit from the revolutionary bus that was developed and built in Northern Ireland.

“Alongside the 20 Hydroliner hydrogen double-decker buses, the zero-emission Electroliner bus – which is the fastest charging of its kind on the market – will help Belfast achieve its net-zero targets by significantly reducing the amount of CO2 emitted across its public transport network.”

“I am delighted to see this investment now translate into delivery on the ground with the arrival of the first electric double decker buses for public transport on the island of Ireland today” – Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon

Nichola Mallon said: “The time for talking is over, it is now time for climate action. Cleaner, greener, sustainable transport is key to protecting our environment and fighting the climate crisis. I have been clear since coming to office that we must act now to deliver the change that our communities and our citizens deserve.

“That is why I provided £74million of investment in zero/low emission buses and I am delighted to see this investment now translate into delivery on the ground with the arrival of the first electric double decker buses for public transport on the island of Ireland today. When all the buses arrive and are in service Translink will have the 4th largest fleet across these islands of zero emission buses – demonstrating my commitment to ensuring Northern Ireland is building a cleaner, greener society.”

Chris Conway, Group Chief Executive, Translink, said, “This is another significant milestone in our journey to reduce our carbon emissions and attract more people to cleaner public transport choices for the benefit of everyone. These new zero emission buses will make up around one third of the Translink Metro fleet helping improve air quality in Belfast. They will also offer the latest standards in comfort, quality and accessibility with in-seat USB chargers, wifi and new accessibility features.

For first time in over three decades, city services in Belfast will see double doors being re-introduced on double-decker buses, facilitating faster boarding and alighting, new contactless ticketing and improving fresh air flow on board for passengers.”

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