New look to NI bus fleet

Delivery of the new buses will begin in March

Almost 200 new buses are bound for Northern Ireland's roads at a cost of £22.6m, it has been announced.

The 190 new vehicles include single and double-decker buses, coaches and minibuses.

Delivery of the new buses will begin in March this year and will be phased in over a 12-month period.

Quality buses are an essential part of any journey

Ted Hesketh
Translink

On Tuesday, Translink's managing director Ted Hesketh said he was extremely pleased with the addition to Northern Ireland's bus fleet.

"Quality buses are an essential part of any journey and the introduction of these new modern buses demonstrates our commitment towards delivering a quality public transport system for everyone," he said.

"The support and vision of the Minister for Regional Development along with the funding from the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation has been key in enabling us to make this investment, and credit is due to all those concerned."

John McKinney, chief executive of the Special EU Programmes body, said the money from the Peace Two programme would go some way to help provide a reliable and punctual service to all.

All the new buses will comply with the latest Disability Discrimination Act standards.

Translink says this will benefit passengers with disabilities including wheelchair users, but it is also a major benefit to mothers with babies and young children.

A further 25 low-floor double-decker buses will also be bought and assembled by local company, Alexanders of Mallusk.

In addition, 80 single-decker low floor buses will be shared between Citybus and Ulsterbus to replace ageing vehicles. These will be assembled by Wrights of Ballymena.