Translink drives the future with its Foyle Metro fleet now 100% zero emission

Derry~Londonderry is now one of the first cities in the UK and Ireland to operate a fully zero emission urban bus service thanks to the official launch by Translink of its all-new Foyle Metro battery electric bus service.

In a further significant eco-friendly drive, Translink customers using Foyle bus and coach services can now buy tickets using on-board contactless payment facilities, providing even more convenience. Wallets on smart devices along with credit or debit cards, can be used to simply tap and pay for fares, as an alternative to the traditional cash fare which is also still available.

The new 38-bus Foyle Metro fleet includes single and double deck all-electric vehicles, and a wide range of stakeholders tasked with tackling climate change and improving connectivity in the city recently came together in Ebrington Square to mark the special occasion.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane Patricia Logue said: “I am delighted passengers in the area now able to avail of a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable way to travel.

“The service fully aligns with our aspirations to meaningfully tackle the climate crisis, and has particular importance, as we were the first Council in Northern Ireland to officially declare a climate crisis. I would like to commend Translink for investing in upgrading the entire Foyle Metro fleet.

“I would encourage our citizens to take advantage of these innovative electric buses and convenient service, playing their part in improving air quality by leaving the car at home where possible. Using public transport even one day per week could significantly reduce your carbon footprint.”

Chris Conway, Translink Group chief executive, said: “Delivery of these cutting-edge buses marks a major milestone in our journey to net zero and heralds a new era in zero emissions public transport for air and noise pollution while better-connected society.

“More people choosing greener buses, will play a major role in helping achieve the carbon emission reduction targets for the city and also those set out in the Climate Change Act.

“In addition to the new fleet, we have also started contactless payments on board services – a significant milestone in Translink’s Future Ticketing System roll-out, future-proofing services and supporting passenger growth.

“I’d like to thank everyone for their hard work to deliver this major project and the Department for Infrastructure for the essential funding. We look forward to welcoming more customers on board for a better future for our people, our planet and our prosperity.’’

All the new buses meet the latest standards in comfort, safety, and accessibility, including high specification e-leather seats, CCTV, Wi-Fi, USB charging and new audio-visual next stop announcements, providing additional support to those with vision and hearing impairments. The buses also come fully equipped with ramp access, induction loops and dedicated space for wheelchairs and prams.

They 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.

Upgrades have also been made to key bus shelters in the city along with new bus stop flags across the Foyle Metro network, all enhancing the customer experience.

Sarah Simpson, the new Translink Ulsterbus Northern Area Manager, described it as “an exciting time”.

She said: “I come to the role having been with Translink for 18 years, largely within bus operational roles. Most recently, I have been heavily involved in the roll-out of Translink’s broader zero emission vehicle programme, so I’m delighted to be able to help deliver the major transition to net zero in the city.

This is a vital step forward for Translink, and transport more generally, as we tackle the climate crisis.”

Ms Simpson said that Translink services sat “at the heart of this city and its hinterland, with around 500 direct jobs provided in the local area and an estimated contribution to the local economy of £17m per annum.”

She added: “Alongside Foyle Metro we also operate the popular Goldliner 212 and 273 services, as well as the X3 and X4 services to Dublin. Just recently, we have introduced later evening services on some of our Foyle Metro routes, as well as new X212 express Goldliner coach services to and from Belfast, reducing journey times by approximately 15 minutes with the opening of the A6 dual carriageway.

“We plan and operate the vast rural Ulsterbus network beyond the city boundary and of course, for our regional school services, taking thousands of pupils safely to and from school on a daily basis. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our staff in Derry~Londonderry for all they do to help keep this city and its surrounding areas moving.

“As we move forward, the team will be ready, alongside our rail colleagues, to work with political, community, business, and education stakeholders to ensure that Derry~Londonderry is better connected by Translink services.”

The 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.

For more information visit: www.translink.co.uk/FoyleMetroZE and follow @Translink_NI #BetterConnected. Find out about Translink’s on-board contactless payment option at www.translink.co.uk/contactless