Derry set for arrival of ‘most environmentally-friendly buses in Ireland’

It’s just been announced that 100 zero emission buses - comprising 80 Battery Electric Vehicles and 20 Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles - are to be deployed between Foyle Metro services in Derry and Metro in Belfast.

The hydrogen-powered buses have no exhaust fumes and emit only water from the tailpipe.

It’s understood that, at £500,000 each, a hydrogen bus is twice as expensive as a diesel equivalent.

It’s believed plans to build several hydrogen fuelling stations here to service demand are being looked at.

The initiative also includes 45 low emissions buses for Ulsterbus services across Northern Ireland.

The contract for the new buses - which will be supplied by NI firm Wrightbus - represents an investment of around £66 million by the NI Department for Infrastructure.

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.”

“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.”

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