Northern Ireland orders 145 low-emission buses in £66 million investment

Belfast's city centre could soon be dominated by electric and hydrogen powered buses.

Northern Ireland’s two major cities Belfast and Derry, County Londonderry, will get their hands on 100 zero emission buses next year as part of a £66 million investment by the Northern Irish Government. A remaining 45 low-emission buses have been reserved for Ulsterbus, which runs services outside of the capital Belfast.

Translink, the transport operator in Northern Ireland, says 80 of the 100 buses bound for Belfast and Londonderry will be battery electric vehicles, while 20 will be hydrogen powered.

According to Translink, the buses form a key part of its Net Zero Emissions Strategy and will be fundamental in creating cleaner and greener transport to positively impact the climate emergency and air quality. 

Announcing the funding 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 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.

“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 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” said Translink Group Chief Executive Chris Conway.

“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

“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”, he concluded.

Wrightbus CEO Buta Atwal said: ”We are delighted that 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.”

Translink says the 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 Green House Gases or other pollutants – and are the first of their kind in Ireland.  

All the new buses are due to be in service during 2021/2022.