Zero-emission trains are next on Translink’s wish list to better connect Northern Ireland in a sustainable way.
The public transport provider’s chief executive, Chris Conway, believes a ‘green transport revolution is critical’ to tackling climate change, air pollution and spiralling living costs.
He told those gathered at an event yesterday to mark Clean Air Day this Green Transport Week that around half the 100 electric and hydrogen buses ordered by Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon are already on the road.
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The rest are expected to join them this summer.
But with 1,400 buses in their fleet, Chris admits they “still have a few more towns and cities to get to”.
And he says they are now looking at options to decarbonise our trains.
“ Climate change, along with poor air quality, remain the biggest threats facing us all, and because of this Translink has ambitious plans to lead a green transport revolution in Northern Ireland,” he said at the event.
“Clean Air Day presents a perfect opportunity to join with partners and stakeholders to discuss our joint response to tackling these issues.
“Our Better Connected Strategy is an ambitious roadmap setting out the steps we will take to lead the transformation of transport in Northern Ireland.
“With the unprecedented cost of living and a return to the office, now is the time for action – to make sustainable choices, switch to renewable technologies and do more with less.
“That’s why we’re also using today to encourage organisations of all sizes to sign up to our newly launched ‘Sustainable Travel Charter.”
For details on Translink’s new Better. Connected Corporate Strategy and the Sustainable Travel Charter visit www.translink.co.uk/betterconnected
Supporting the event, Minister for Infrastructure, John O’Dowd MLA said: “Each one of us has the potential to make a difference in the climate emergency. Even just switching some of our journeys each week from the car to either public transport or walking or cycling can help so I would strongly encourage people to consider that. I believe that collectively we can deliver lasting change for our communities.
“My Department has made significant investments in public transport facilities, such as the North West Transport Hub and the work currently underway to build the new Transport Hub in Belfast which will provide capacity for additional rail and bus services as well as encouraging active travel with walking and cycling provision.
“With the support of my Department Translink, is leading the way in relation to zero emission public transport vehicles. Funding in the region of £100m was provided for the purchase of 20 hydrogen and 80 battery electric vehicle with associated infrastructure for Belfast and a further 38 battery electric buses for Derry.
“We also invested £66m for the purchase of 21 additional train carriages for our network which are 20% more fuel efficient. This will play a significant role in providing lower-carbon transport as well as providing additional capacity on the network where it is most needed. My Department is also progressing a number of park and ride sites across the north which, when completed, will provide over 3,000 additional spaces and give more people the chance to use the public transport network.”
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