Causeway Coast Zero Emissions Project

We’re making real progress on this important zero emissions project that will see new state-of-the-art mini bus battery electric vehicles (BEVs) enter passenger service later this summer.

They will include two buses due to deliver the popular Giant’s Causeway 477 shuttle service and a further four buses will be used on Coleraine town service routes. They will be the first zero emission buses to operate on the Translink Ulsterbus network.

This project supports Translink’s vision to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and operate a net zero emissions fleet across Northern Ireland by 2040 - vital for tackling the climate emergency and driving change for a better quality of life for future generations.

Delivering a Better Quality of Life

• Attractive, modern, fully accessible, state of the art, greener public transport services keeping people better connected. 
• Also investing in our ticketing system with contactless payment options on the way to make travel by public transport more convenient and attractive. 
• A sustainable transport system supports regeneration, attracts investment and creates an attractive modern image of local cities & towns.

 Protecting the Environment  

• Delivering a cleaner region by tackling climate change, reducing congestion, reducing air, noise pollution and protecting the natural environment. 
• Supporting local Council Climate & Air Quality Action Plans.
• Translink currently operates the fourth largest Zero Emission bus fleet in the UK and Ireland.

Enhancing Health and Wellbeing

• WHO has cited poor air quality as the largest environmental risk to public health in the UK, as long-term exposure to air pollution can cause chronic conditions leading to reduced life expectancy. Greener public transport plays a significant role in reducing air pollution. 

Using public transport promotes active travel for healthier lifestyles and also reduces inequality.

New Zero Emission Bus Features:

• Single deck BEV minibuses
• 29 Seating and 13 Standing (Total of 42)
• x4 Vehicles for Coleraine Town Services - all include high-back, high specification e-leather seats with seat-belts, a wheelchair area / a space for a buggy, fully accessible and CCTV.
• USB Charging and Wi-Fi enabled.
• Amongst the most environmentally friendly minibuses in Ireland.
• Latest safety and intelligent driving features for high quality / enhanced safety and performance including external cameras replacing wing mirrors.
• Innovative new bus sound system (Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System) to enhance road safety when travelling at slower speeds, given these vehicles are relatively silent.
• The buses will be fitted with a new audio-visual passenger information system including a TFT screen which shows the passengers ‘next stop’ details. 
• Giant’s Causeway shuttle service will receive x2 single deck minibus vehicles with similar spec to the Town Service buses but a slightly different internal layout to suit the nature of this service.

Ticketing:  

• Customers using the new Giant’s Causeway zero emission shuttle buses will also be able to buy tickets using contactless payments. This will allow customers to buy onboard paper tickets for themselves, a friend or family member(s) up to and including £45 in any single transaction.

Charging Infrastructure:  

• These buses will need high-spec charging points to ensure they are ready to hit the road and deliver a modern and reliable service for our customers every day.
• Work is underway to install 4 electric vehicle chargers in Coleraine bus & rail centre, enabling all buses to be charged sequentially overnight, with future proofing for an additional 9 bus charging stations.
• Our contractor Farrans will install all the charging points, drainage and construct a new Low Voltage transformer building which will distribute power from the NIE grid network to the individual chargers.

Staff Training:  

• Another major part of this project is staff training to ensure our bus drivers, engineers and other depot staff have the skills and expertise to deliver a safe, reliable and comfortable zero emission bus service. A staff training programme is underway so that everyone is ready for the launch of the new state-of-the-art EV buses.

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.

We look forward to welcoming you on board the new mini buses.

Keep up-to-date on all the latest exciting project updates @Translink_NI.