Our Changeprint
Our Changeprint can be measured by the number of zero emissions buses rolled out and miles driven; amount of carbon savings and improvements to local air quality; technical and engineering up-skilling; new jobs created; and improvements to local bus services that encourage more people to choose public transport.
Our story
Translink is the main public transport provider for Northern Ireland. The organisation is targeting net zero by 2040 across the entire fleet and all stations within Northern Ireland. Translink have set an interim goal of reducing emissions by 50% by 2030.
Translink has purchased 100% renewable electricity since 2020. Over 100 of its fleet of 1,400 buses are already zero-emissions and over 100 more are on order. In 2023, through the rollout of a new zero-emissions Foyle Metro Service, Derry-Londonderry became one of the first cities in the UK and in Ireland to have a zero-emission public transport service.
These buses need high-spec charging points and 22 electric vehicle chargers were installed at Translink's Pennyburn site, enabling 44 buses to be charged sequentially overnight, with future proofing for an additional 19 bus charging stations. Contractor Farrans installed all the charging points, drainage and construction of a Low Voltage transformer building (which distributes power to the chargers) and a High Voltage Switch room (which is connected to the grid network supplying the site with power).
Another major part of this project was staff training to ensure bus drivers, engineers and other depot staff have the skills and expertise to deliver a safe, reliable and comfortable Foyle Metro zero emission bus service. A significant staff training programme was conducted so that everyone was ready for the launch of the new state-of-the-art EV fleet.
Translink's support fleet is already substantially electrically driven, and plans are in place for the delivery of a higher capacity but zero-emission railway during the 2030s.
Additionally, Translink's project teams are currently embedding an understanding and evaluation of the carbon impacts within infrastructure and engineering works. Many projects are re-using materials on site, on other Translink projects, or in partnership with local communities, schools, or wider environmental programmes.
Our advice
Collaboration is key to achieve a net zero target, so work together with staff and external organisations to create and implement an effective sustainability strategy.
