Limerick, Ireland, is set to enhance its public transport system with the introduction of 55 electric double-decker buses. The first batch of 34 StreetDeck Electroliner buses from Wrightbus is ready to enter service, with the remaining 21 scheduled for delivery in early 2025.
This initiative, part of a €54 million investment by the National Transport Authority (NTA), marks a significant step towards establishing Limerick as one of Ireland’s first fully-electric regional city bus services.
Operated by Ireland’s national bus company, Bus Éireann, the new buses will be charged overnight at Limerick’s Roxboro depot. To prepare for the transition to an all-electric fleet, drivers and mechanics underwent more than 500 hours of training.
Stephen Kent, CEO of Bus Éireann, expressed the company’s commitment to sustainability, stating, “Our mission is to help make life better, and this transformative €54 million investment in new zero-emission fleet, funded by the NTA, helps us reduce greenhouse gas emissions, providing a cleaner and greener public transport solution for everyone in Limerick city.”
Anne Graham, CEO of NTA, highlighted the environmental benefits of the new buses, saying, “These zero-emission vehicles will not only provide a smoother, more accessible journey for our customers but will also significantly reduce CO2 emissions and noise pollution in the areas they operate. This investment highlights the NTA’s dedication to creating a cleaner, greener, and more efficient future for the people of Limerick.”
Wrightbus CEO Jean-Marc Gales expressed delight in the partnership with NTA, stating, “We are delighted to partner with the NTA in the drive to zero-emission public transport and to have played our part in helping it develop one of Ireland’s first fully-electric regional city bus services. Our ambition is to see many more of our buses be rolled out across cities, towns, and rural areas all over the world.”