Thumbs up for Foyle Metro new zero emission bus fleet

State-of-the-art single decker and double decker buses were on display at Guildhall Square as Translink unveiled its new zero emission Foyle Metro bus fleet.

The event provided key stakeholders and members of the public an opportunity to step on board and experience the future of public transport first hand. 

The 38-vehicle fleet will be in operation later this year, making Derry one of the first cities in the UK and Ireland to run a fully zero emission urban bus service. 

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Sandra Duffy, said: “We are delighted that the Foyle Metro fleet will soon become a zero emission fleet.

"As the first Council in the North to declare a climate emergency, this step fully aligns with our aspirations to meaningfully tackle this important issue. I would encourage all of our citizens to make the most of this service and leave the car at home where possible.”

Ian Campbell, Director of Service Operations, Translink, said: “We were pleased to have the opportunity to showcase this new fleet and I’d like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who came along and to the Department for Infrastructure for essential funding to deliver these new buses.

“Transport has a significant role to play in tackling the climate crisis. This project supports Translink’s vision to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and operate a zero emissions fleet across Northern Ireland by 2040 – all of which is vital for tackling the climate emergency and driving change for a better quality of life for future generations.

Translink staff pictured at Translink's Zero Emission Foyle Metro preview event held. (Photos - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

“More people making the switch to cleaner, greener public transport and active travel will help deliver a better future for our people, our planet and our prosperity. As a new era in emissions-free public transport emerges, we look forward to welcoming you on board the new zero emission Foyle Metro service later this year,” said Ian.

The buses are being supplied by Northern Ireland-based manufacturer Wrightbus.

Jean-Marc Gales, CEO at Wrightbus, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Translink in the drive to transform transport in Northern Ireland and help build a more sustainable future.

“Our electric buses - the GB Kite Electroliner BEV and the StreetDeck Electroliner BEV - are manufactured and assembled at our Ballymena factory, which means support for jobs in Northern Ireland, and wider across the UK through our domestic supply chain.

Will Campbell, Translink, chatting to John McMenamin and his son Daniel on board one of Translink's Zero Emission Foyle Metro buses.

“We’re proud to say our StreetDeck Electroliner BEV is the world’s most efficient double deck battery-electric bus and we have taken that technology into the development of our single deck which has also been classed as the most efficient on the UK’s roads.

“We’ve created the most efficient vehicles by combining optimum power with a class-leading rapid charge, meaning our electric buses spend more time on the road than any other. 

“We’re confident passengers in Derry will enjoy the experience.”

Work is also underway to install 22 electric vehicle chargers in the Pennyburn Garage, enabling 44 buses to be charged sequentially overnight, with future proofing for an additional 19 bus charging stations.

Group pictured at Translink's Zero Emission Foyle Metro preview event held in Guildhall Square, Derry, from left, Luke Moyne, PSNI, Geraldine McFadden, Sustrans, Steve Bradley, Into the West, Lucus Lindsay, NWRC, Alan Young, Translink, Francine Moran, NWRC, Eoghan Cummins, NWRC.. (Photos - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has welcomed progress towards the rolling out of a brand-new fleet of zero emissions Foyle Metro buses.

Mr Eastwood praised the work of former SDLP Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon in providing around £30million for the scheme.

Speaking today, Foyle MP Mr Eastwood said: “This is a historic moment for Derry which will see it become one of the first cities on these islands to operate a fully zero-emission urban bus service. This achievement would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of former SDLP infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon who provided the funding needed to supply these buses during her time in government.

"The SDLP is fully committed to Derry and our green future. This investment shows that when we have a government that works for everyone, committed to protecting the planet and driving real change, we can deliver a cleaner, greener, more sustainable future.

Charlie and Kay Kelpie.

"We have been unable to make further progress in our attempts to thwart climate change in Northern Ireland due to the lack of government at Stormont. We are in this position solely because of the DUP. The SDLP has a proven track record in helping deliver steps towards a low carbon future and will continue to fight against the climate emergency we all face.”

In response to the launch People Before Profit representative Maeve O'Neill said: “The transition of our full fleet of buses in the Foyle Metro service to electric is very welcome news. But this step should be only the beginning in transforming our public transport infrastructure to properly address the climate crisis.

"The bus services across the city and district need to be far more regular and efficient for it to encourage people out of their cars. We have spoken with bus drivers who have emphasised the need for bus lanes to ensure the bus is a far better way of getting in, out and around town.

"We need to see more park and rides on the edges of the city with a regular connector bus. 

Key stakeholders pictured at Translink's Zero Emission Foyle Metro preview event held in Guildhall Square. (Photos - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

"And importantly we need to see a reduction of fares. People Before Profit support free public transport for everyone. It would great to see this begin to be rolled out for people under 25 and for people who are visually impaired as a first step.

"Free and effective public transport infrastructure is essential to get right if we are to be serious in tackling the climate crisis. We cannot forget the expansion of rail and cycle lanes as we transform our cities and regions to be future proof."

Foyle DUP MLA Gary Middleton welcomed the new Foyle Metro Bus Renewal Project.

Mr Middleton said: “I was delighted to be at the Guildhall today to view the new electric buses which will replace the existing Metro Service fleet. There will be 38 new electric buses in total and they are expected to be in operation by late summer. 

"Tackling climate change should be everyone’s concern. This is a transformative project from Translink helping to reduce greenhouse gases and helping to provide a better quality of life for future generations.

"By replacing vehicles that use petrol and diesel with electric vehicles, Translink can ensure it reduces its impact on the environment. These vehicles will no longer produce greenhouse gases, meaning harmful gases that stay in the atmosphere for many years, causing the planet's temperature to rise will be reduced.  

"Carbon neutrality is not something we can achieve alone, and I welcome this initiative from Translink.  It is important for each of us to play our role too. No matter how small a change it is, it can all make a difference.

"This may be switching off all your appliances when they are not in use or taking the bus or the train.”

The zero emission Foyle Metro project forms part of Translink’s transformational plans to support the decarbonisation of transport in Northern Ireland.