Photo courtesy of Wrightbus

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

Representing an investment of around £66 million by the Northern Ireland Department for Infrastructure, the programme will include the buses supplied by Bayllymena-based Wrightbus. This will form a key part of bus company 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 buses and 20 hydrogen fuel cell electric buses and will be the most environmentally-friendly transport 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.

Northern Ireland 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 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.”

She added: “My Department has allocated funding of £66 million in line with New Decade New Approach commitments to deliver a step change in cleaner greener public transport as we tackle the climate crisis.

“It marks a very positive step forward that will create jobs, encourage investment, as well as being pivotal in cutting the level of emissions.

“As well as reducing pollution, the new vehicles will have additional safety features and improved comfort and accessibility, helping to grow passenger numbers, increase overall customer satisfaction and make public transport a more attractive and efficient alternative to private cars.”

Translink Group chief executive Chris Conway said: “Translink is leading the transport transformation to net zero emissions, we are responding to the climate emergency and driving positive change for a healthier and more sustainable transport for future generations.

“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.

“We have ambitious targets to operate a zero-emission public transport fleet across Northern Ireland by 2040 and this development is an important first step. They will also deliver the highest levels of passenger comfort, convenience and accessibility.”

He added: “As we progress this critical journey to net zero emissions transport, we will work with all stakeholders collaboratively to harness a shift in attitudes and behaviours towards more sustainable transport for future generations.”

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 greenhouse gases or other pollutants – and are the first of their kind in Ireland.

All the new buses are due to enter service over the next two years.