Foyle Metro Zero Emission Bus Renewal Project

A new emissions-free Foyle Metro Service is coming to Derry~Londonderry featuring state-of-the-art electric buses, enhanced passenger information, on-board audio-visual announcements and contactless ticketing.

We’re making real progress on this important zero emissions project that will see Foyle Metro operating a fleet of new state-of-the-art electric buses.

All vehicles will be in operation later this year making Derry~Londonderry one of the first cities in the UK & Ireland to operate a fully zero emission urban bus service.

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:

• There will be 38 new electric buses delivered for Foyle Metro services, a mix of Double Deck and Single Deck vehicles.
• All of the new vehicles will meet our latest fleet standards, i.e. high-back, high specification e-leather seats, wheelchair area / a space for a buggy, fully accessible and CCTV.
• They will have a new ‘Stealth’ front end and will also have glazed ‘A’ pillars in the upper saloon to provide a panoramic view at the front.
• USB Charging and Wi-Fi enabled.
• Amongst the most environmentally friendly buses 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 in cities given these vehicles are relatively silent.
• The buses will be fitted with a new audio-visual passenger information system including screen mounted overhead in the central aisle of the bus that tells passengers ‘next stop’ details.  

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 22 electric vehicle chargers at our Pennyburn site, enabling 44 buses to be charged sequentially overnight, with future proofing for an additional 19 bus charging stations. Our contractor Farrans will install all the charging points, drainage and construct a Low Voltage transformer building which will distribute power to the chargers and a High Voltage Switch room, which is connected to the grid network supplying the site with power.

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 Foyle Metro Fleet.

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