First electric buses take to the road in Derry~Londonderry

Translink’s battery electric buses now in service , with the aim to run a zero emissions fleet across Northern Ireland by 2040. 

This week, the first battery electric buses began passenger service on the on the Foyle Metro network in Derry~Londonderry. A fleet of 38 electric buses will be in operation over coming weeks – and this is just the start. In an ongoing effort to decarbonise transport in Northern Ireland, the plan is to achieve 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and zero emissions by 2040.

New electric buses in Derry~Londonderry, photo courtesy of Translink

The new buses, which comprise a mix of double-decker and single-decker vehicles, are fully accessible with space for wheelchairs and buggies. They all have CCTV, USB charging and Wi-FI. Other technological features include external cameras instead of wing mirrors and audio-visual passenger information including screens in the central aisle providing details of the next stop. Given that the buses are relatively silent, an innovative sound system (the ‘Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System’) can provide warnings to pedestrians and other road users.  

A Translink spokesperson said: ‘Several battery electric buses are now in service as Derry~Londonderry begins its transformation into one of the first cities in the UK and Ireland to operate a fully zero emission urban bus service. 

‘The first vehicles were initially unveiled to the public at a special preview event in May. The full 38-bus fleet features a mix of single and double deck vehicles. Buses will be recharged at Translink’s Pennyburn Engineering Facility, where 22 double electric vehicle chargers have recently been installed. This modern infrastructure allows 44 buses to be charged sequentially overnight, with future-proofing for an additional 19 bus charging stations.” 

Alan Young, Service Delivery Manager at Translink, adds: ‘We are delighted that our state-of-the-art zero emission Foyle Metro buses have commenced passenger service in Derry~Londonderry. This initiative, which will shortly make the city one of the first in the UK and Ireland to operate a fully zero emission urban bus service, reflects our commitment to serving our passengers in the North West offering the highest standards in comfort, safety and reliability while also supporting local air quality targets by reducing harmful emissions and attracting more people onto public transport. 

‘We recognise that investment in this technology is crucial to achieving the emission reduction targets set out in the NI Climate Change Act and playing our part in delivering a cleaner, greener and more sustainable society. We look forward to welcoming our passengers on board these new zero emission Foyle Metro buses and keeping everyone better connected.’ 

More than 200 bus operational and engineering staff have been specially trained as part of the programme.

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