Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has today unveiled the first of 80 battery electric double decker buses due to be in passenger service in spring 2022.
Part of her £74million investment for 100 zero emission buses, which also includes 20 Hydrogen fuelled buses and a programme of associated infrastructure works, this is the next key milestone in Minister Mallon’s commitment to climate action and decarbonising Northern Ireland’s public transport.
Speaking about the new buses, Minister 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.”
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Ms.Mallon also added: “Today’s announcement comes on the day the UN COP26 Climate Change Summit Presidency theme is putting a focus on Energy, where parties are focused on accelerating the global transition to clean energy. It is fantastic that the hard work here in Northern Ireland is paying off and we are transitioning our public transport system now and for the future. I believe COP26 represents a critical time and opportunity for decision makers across the world. This is the world’s best and last chance to mitigate the worst impacts of the climate crisis. I am hopeful, I am committed and I am determined to deliver the change our people, our place and our planet urgently requires.”
Chris Conway, Group Chief Executive at Translink, commented: “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."
Mr. Conway also added: “For the first time in over 3 decades, city services in Belfast will see double doors being reintroduced 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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The public will have the opportunity to step inside the zero emission all-electric double-decker bus on the 10 November, as part of RE[act] Festival, a two week event organised by Linen Quarter Business Improvement District aimed at inspiring all industries and all walks of life to respond to the global climate crisis.
Translink will attend the ‘Sustainable and Active Travel’ event at Custom House Square from 11:00am to 3:00pm with the session allowing people to experience the new electric bus first-hand and learn more about the organisation’s plans to support sustainable travel across Northern Ireland.
Source: Written from press releas
