A tender in Ireland for 800 double-deck electric buses for the country major cities

Ireland: the National Transport Authority (NTA) has commenced the procurement process for up to 800 double-deck battery electric buses. The tender has been published on 18th December. Expressions of interest required by 12th February 2021.

The NTA says it intends to purchase up to 800 buses under this Framework Agreement over a period of five years, with the first buses expected to arrive in the second half of 2022.

A few days ago NTA unveiled the first of a batch of 100 Alexander Dennis Enviro400ER plug-in hybrid buses, and announced an order for a further 180 of these zero-emission capable buses for delivery in 2021. The orders form part of a five-year framework agreement for a total of up to 600 Alexander Dennis Enviro400ER buses that was first announced in January 2020.

Electric buses in Ireland, a maxi tender by NTA

The buses will meet the relevant definition of a ‘zero emission vehicle’ in line with the EU’s revised Directive on the promotion of clean and energy-efficient road transport vehicles which is expected to come into force in late 2021. The vehicles will operate with zero tailpipe-emissions, which will contribute to a substantial improvement in air quality in the cities and towns to be served by these buses.

Electric buses for NTA in Ireland, the requirements

NTA highlights that «the buses are intended for use on urban bus services in all major cities in Ireland, as well as on some town bus services. The exterior of the buses will feature the green, yellow and white Transport for Ireland, (TFI) livery, a minimum of 41 seats on the upper deck and a minimum of 19 seats on the lower deck, with the length of the bus not exceeding 11.50 metres».

Under the framework the buses «will be outfitted with a wide front passenger doorway capable of being fitted with a wide powered ramp suitable for unaided wheelchair access; a permanent wheelchair space; a dedicated area for the accommodation of at least one unfolded pram or pushchair or buggy; distinctive priority seating; and a wide centre passenger doorway capable of being fitted with a wide manual ramp suitable for unaided wheelchair access».

E-buses take Ireland on a path to sustainable mobility

Minister for the Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport, Eamon Ryan said: “Going electric will reduce the carbon footprint of our public transport fleet, and will help us reach our long-term climate goals. These new electric buses will also help reduce air pollution, improve public health and improve access to public transport for people of all abilities.

Chief Executive Officer of the National Transport Authority, Anne Graham said: “The transition to a zero-emission bus fleet is a central component of our BusConnects project, and the procurement of these battery electric buses represents a key milestone in that process. By providing more accessible and sustainable methods of public transport we will reduce the need for personal vehicles, making the quality of the air we breathe healthier for everyone”.