Electric buses could soon become part of Galway’s public transport infrastructure, following the National Transport Authority's decision to seek a supplier for 200 such environmentally-friendly vehicles.
The NTA is already working on the introduction of double-decker hybrid (diesel/electric ) vehicles in Dublin. This new proposed supply agreement, however, focuses on single-deck, long length buses, and also references Galway’s two main public transport bus operators – Bus Éireann and City Direct.
The decision has been welcomed by Senator Seán Kyne, acting Aire don Ghaeilge, don Ghaeltacht agus do na hOileáin. “Electric buses are already widely used in China and are growing in popularity in European cities," he said. "Some services are powered through overhead cables, but many more are battery operated."
The NTA is seeking responses from prospective suppliers by the end of June for an agreement that would last an initial two and a half years, with an option to extend for a further two and a half years.
“Such a time span coincides with work to expand and enhance Galway’s public transport services, including BusConnects," said Minister Kyne, "with the aim of facilitating sustainable growth, but also in making Galway a better and cleaner place."
