December 09 2020
In this week’s blog post Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive, writes about Translink being at the forefront of a transport revolution, and their commitment to build back responsibly.
Our plans for net zero transport took a major step forward last week when we signed a contract to provide 145 zero and low emission buses and associated infrastructure, to be supplied by Northern Ireland-based firm Wrightbus.
This £66m order forms a key part of Translink’s Net Zero Emissions Strategy and will be fundamental in building greener transport to positively impact on the climate emergency and air quality in the years ahead.
Translink is proud to be right at the forefront of this transport revolution. 100 of the buses will be zero emission, 80 Battery Electric and 20 Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric – the most environmentally friendly buses in Ireland. They will be deployed to Metro and Foyle Metro services in Belfast and Derry~Londonderry, with the remaining 45 low emission buses deployed to Ulsterbus, serving towns and villages across Northern Ireland.
Climate change, along with poor air quality, remains the biggest threat facing us, and we have ambitious plans to progress sustainable transport options. This includes the delivery of fully zero-carbon public transport in Belfast and Derry~Londonderry by 2030 and across the entirety of our network by 2040. We are also progressing options to make travel by rail even more sustainable, including electrification and bio-modal trains.
With the great news on the planned roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine and the end of the pandemic in sight, this can be the start of a new era for Northern Ireland’s public transport, which will help to make our streets greener, healthier and more welcoming for everyone.
At Translink we have a strong commitment to Northern Ireland, not only in enhancing our environment and economy but in supporting our community – we’ve been privileged to help people this year when it’s been needed more than ever; from providing free travel to NHS and social care staff to delivering food and care packages to vulnerable customers and frontline workers, our staff have gone above and beyond to keep Northern Ireland moving, demonstrating the Translink SPIRIT in abundance. We have also facilitated a safe return to school for tens of thousands of pupils.
Translink looks toward a ‘greener’ future with confidence as we begin to turn the tide on the pandemic – we will continue to make the case for eco-friendly, sustainable transport options to provide a better future, supporting our environment and the economy as we work to build back responsibly.
Find out more at www.translink.co.uk
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