NTA unveils Wrightbus hydrogen deckers
Three new Wrightbus Streetdeck H2 FCEV hydrogen-powered buses have been unveiled by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Bus Éireann.
The hydrogen fuel-cell electric double-deckers will initially be used on commuter services in the Greater Dublin Area. They were recently purchased by the NTA and will go into service next week on Bus Éireann’s route 105X, which runs between Dublin and Ratoath, County Meath.
The buses will be subject to in-service evaluation as part of an alternative fuels technology pilot being undertaken by the NTA in collaboration with Bus Éireann. They represent an investment of approximately €2.4m/£2.05m.
The Wrightbus Streetdeck H2 FCEV is the world’s first hydrogen double-deck bus. Each bus can accommodate up to 79 passengers within its overall length of 11.5 metres.
“It’s not only fantastic from an environmental point of view, but from a wider perspective, it signals a huge opportunity for positive economic growth across the island of Ireland” – Wrightbus’ new Managing Director, Neil Collins
Wrightbus’ new Managing Director, Neil Collins, said: “This launch marks a true all-Ireland sustainability solution that will help us reach the ambitious Net Zero targets that we must all strive towards. We’re incredibly proud that zero-emission hydrogen buses made by Wrightbus here in Ireland, powered by energy produced in Ireland, will soon be in service for passengers in Dublin, thanks to the progressive outlook of Bus Éireann and the National Transport Authority.
“It’s not only fantastic from an environmental point of view, but from a wider perspective, it signals a huge opportunity for positive economic growth across the island of Ireland. Our world-first double deck hydrogen buses and our recently launched EV counterparts – along with the clean fuels that power them – utilise the very latest technological advances. This in turn gives scope for the creation of hundreds – if not thousands – of new highly-skilled jobs across that will put the island of Ireland at the fore of the sustainable transport revolution.”