Translink hosts state of the art bus preview
Translink hosts VIP for state-of-the-art bus preview
24th December 2007:
DRD Minister Conor Murphy MLA (left) and Translink Acting Chief Executive Philip O’Neill were at Europa Bus Station on Monday (December 17) to preview two next-generation Translink buses. The new buses will be among the safest and most accessible Translink vehicles operating on Northern Ireland’s roads. They represent the first of 50 high-capacity single decker and 125 double-decker buses which are set to come online as a result of a £40 million DRD investment package.
Two new state-of-the-art, next-generation vehicles have been unveiled to Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy MP MLA, by Translink today (17th Dec) at Europa Buscentre in Belfast.
Fully accessible and equipped with modern new features, these buses will be among the safest and most accessible Translink vehicles operating on Northern Ireland’s roads. They represent the first of 50 high-capacity single decker and 125 double-decker buses which are set to come online as a result of a £40 million DRD investment package.
Attending today’s VIP preview were senior DRD officials, and top management figures from Translink, Volvo and Wrightbus. Also present were representatives from Inclusive Mobility Transport Advisory Council (IMTAC).
Translink Acting Chief Executive Philip O’Neill said: “The delivery of these new vehicles marks a further milestone in the transformation of bus services in Northern Ireland.
“Safety is a top priority for Translink and as such they have been fitted with features including multi-camera digital CCTV systems for passenger and driver security, a front child safety camera, magnetic safety locks on the emergency doors and 3 point seatbelts on all vehicles which will be used for school work.
“In addition their introduction will allow us to significantly increase the number of fully accessible buses in our fleet. The double deckers are low floor and following an internal makeover now boast a new modern fully colour contrasted interior. The first 30 of the 62 seater single decker buses will have a dedicated space for a wheelchair passenger which will be accessed by a powered side lift. The remainder of this order will facilitate additional wheelchair passengers if necessary.
”We have worked closely with our suppliers Volvo and Wrightbus to ensure that this contract for 285 buses has been delivered to budget and on time. Thanks to DRD funding this year we have already introduced 110 new high capacity school buses and now the timely arrival of these new vehicles - all of which will be delivered by next spring - will see passengers benefiting from the enhanced safety features and high-spec, high-comfort interiors as soon as possible”, Mr O’Neill concluded.
One hundred of the double deckers and the 50 single deckers will be used for school work as part of Translink’s commitment to completely remove standing on school buses by April 2009. The remaining 25 double deckers will go towards improving frequencies and capacity on the key Metro corridor routes.
They will effectively reduce the fleet age and will clearly play a key role in maximising growth in patronage in line with Regional Transportation Strategy targets.
ENDS
For further information contact Geoff McGimpsey at Morrow Communications on 028 9039 3837.
Notes to the Editor
Key Features
Double Deckers:
Low floor, fully accessible benefiting passengers with disabilities including wheelchair users and also a major benefit to the elderly and parents with young children.
Manual ramp installed
Full electronic destination displays.
Colour contrasted interior, new finishes from Double Deck No. 16.
New High Capacity Single Decker Buses:
The first 30 of these additional 50 vehicles will have 62 seats plus space for one wheelchair passenger – with a seating arrangement of three on one side and two on the other. The remainder of this order will facilitate additional wheelchair passengers if necessary.
Access to the vehicles is via steps at the front and all seating is on one level which is designed to improve comfort and safety on board.
High seat backs with three point seat belts
The vehicles will have a powered side lift for wheelchair users – Fully DDA compliant. Additional features include interior overhead luggage racks, electronically controlled heating systems, and
Other key features of vehicles include:
Multi -camera CCTV systems will be fitted for passenger and driver security.
Additional external school safety signage and warning lights have been incorporated as part of the safety features within the design.
Reversing cameras and warning devices
Front child safety camera
Magnetic safety locks on emergency doors
Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
Double Glazed bonded windows
Seat belts (first 100 of the Double Deckers/All single deckers)
Updated body style
Digital Destination systems
Reduced emissions compliant with European Legislation (Euro 4). - latest European standards
Modern interior upholstery
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