Translink's 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 will be one of the first cities in the UK or Ireland to have a zero-emission public transport service. 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 customers every day.
Work is underway to install 22 electric vehicle chargers 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 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.
Another major part of this project is 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 is underway so that everyone is 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.
Useful learnings from Translink
Collaboration is key to achieve a net zero target, so work together with staff and organisations to create a sustainability strategy.
Translink's metrics
Zero emissions buses rolled out.
Number of chargers installed.
Amount of carbon savings.
