First electric bus for Community Transport operator funded through £1.36million pilot scheme

  • Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has visited South Antrim Community Transport to hear how their new electric bus purchased through her Blue/Green Fund is delivering for the local community.

    South Antrim are one of 13 Community Transport operators who will receive a new electric bus as part of an overall capital investment of £1.36million. Their vehicle is the first to be operational and it is anticipated that the remaining buses will enter service by March 2022.

    Speaking  at her visit, Minister Mallon said: “I recognise the important contribution that community transport makes in complementing the wider public transport network, helping connect communities and ensuring that some of the most vulnerable people in our society are able to access essential local services and more actively participate in society.

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    Ms. Mallon also added: “I also want to acknowledge the role that Community Transport Operators have played during the pandemic. In the initial COVID response, they transitioned their services from passenger transport to delivery of food, groceries and medicines. As the vaccines were rolled out they also ensured that many people without access to transport were able to get to their Covid Vaccination appointments.”

    Continuing Minister Mallon concluded: “I am committed to delivering cleaner, greener, sustainable infrastructure.  This £1.36million pilot project to provide 13 electric vehicles aims to reduce carbon emissions, increase community awareness of zero emission vehicles and allow us to evaluate the use of electric vehicles in the context of community transport. These are the changes we need to see to help us tackle the climate crisis and contribute to better health outcomes for all our population. I will continue to make positive steps to support cleaner, greener travel.” 

    Source: Written from press release.

     

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    Aoife is a Sync NI writer with a previous background working in print, online and broadcast media. She has a keen interest in all things tech related. To connect with Aoife feel free to send her an email or connect on LinkedIn.

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