100 new zero emission buses for Derry and across NI

A contract securing the supply of 100 new buses has been signed this week between Translink and Wrightbus.

Minister O’Dowd said: “Enormous strides have already been made to ‘green’ our public transport network with £98million invested by my Department since 2020 for the supply of over 140 zero emission buses for the Translink fleet and the associated electric vehicle charging and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.

“I am delighted to announce a further investment of £88million which will deliver an additional 100 zero emission buses and EV charging infrastructure for our public transport network. This investment will be fundamental in creating cleaner and greener transport as we seek to tackle the climate emergency and improve air quality across the North.”

Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive, said: “This further significant investment in zero emission buses supports our plans to decarbonise our fleet and lead the transport transformation in Northern Ireland.

“We would like to thank the Minister and his Department for this investment which enables us to deliver the benefits of zero emission technology to more areas across NI, with 40 buses being allocated to Ulsterbus services and 60 being added to the existing zero emission Metro fleet in Belfast."

Mr Conway also confirmed that the bus fleet will run on sustainably sourced 'green' electricity,.

He added that they will also “offer the latest standards in comfort, quality and accessibility”.