28 January 2003
MINISTER SMITH WELCOMES ORDER FOR 190 NEW BUSES
Angela Smith, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, MP, today welcomed the announcement of a £22.6 million order for 190 new buses and coaches for Translink.
The Minister was speaking after hearing details of the new fleet of buses during a visit to the Europa Bus Centre.
The Minister said: "This investment in our public transport infrastructure is vital to improve the existing service throughout Northern Ireland. Coupled with a further £40 million for more vehicles over the next three years, this will guarantee a modern efficient service for the travelling public.
"Delivery of the buses will begin in March of this year and I’m delighted that in this European Year of People with Disabilities, the new buses will meet the requirements of the Bus Accessibility Regulations ensuring easier access for all to this service.
"This demonstrates the commitment of the Department for Regional Development to improving public transport and will be welcome news for Ulsterbus and Citybus passengers who can be assured of a more reliable and comfortable service in the future."
Delivery of the buses will continue over a 12-month period. The order is made up of 25 Low Floor Double Decker Buses, 80 Low Floor Single Decker Buses, 35 Low Floor Mini Buses and 50 Interurban Coaches.
Two local companies have benefited from the order. Wrightbus of Ballymena will be providing the bodies of 80 single decker buses and Transbus will be assembling the bodies of 25 double decker buses at Mallusk.
The Minister also noted the contribution of funding received from the Peace and Reconciliation Programme. The Minister said: "Northern Ireland has been a major beneficiary of support from the European Union to improve the local infrastructure and I welcome the £750,000 funding received which has contributed to the purchase of these buses. "
NOTES TO EDITORS:
The new vehicles will cost £22.6m. £13.05m is being met by Bus Grants to Translink provided by the Department for Regional Development; £8.8m from Translink and £0.75m from the EU Peace and Reconciliation Programme.
A further £40M for more vehicles over the next three years was announced in the December budget.
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