Athlone to have first electric bus fleet
Plans by Bus Éireann to introduce a new fleet of electric buses in Athlone have moved a step closer with news that the company is currently seeking tenders for the installation of the charging infrastructure for the new vehicles.
According to the Government’s eTenders website, Bus Éireann is seeking “a turnkey solution” for the supply and installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure for “optimal overnight charging of future electric buses, operating two town service routes in Athlone.”
Site installation and commissioning of the charging infrastructure is expected to be completed “by the end of Q1, 2022, ahead of the delivery of Battery Electric Vehicles for the two routes” according to the eTenders website.
As part of the project to move Athlone to electric buses, the scope of works sought by Bus Éireann in the tender allows for “future adaptation and expansion on site or at other locations” suggesting that the company are planning to expand the fleet in Athlone from the initial two routes specified in the application.
The tender application also states that the works being sought include transformers, chargers and charging points at the site and the back office support protocols and training of “relevant Bus Eireann staff.”
It also states that a comprehensive Service and Maintenance support package will also be required “for a period of no less than 5 years.”
The planning for a fleet of electric buses for Athlone comes against the backdrop of the publication of Bus Éireann’s first sustainable strategy document, “Driving Change” this week, which sees them committing to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50% by 2030, while at the same time growing passenger numbers, including school transport, to 116 million a year.
The company is urging everyone to think ‘bus’ ahead of ‘car’ and they want to make bus travel the first choice, especially for people living in towns and cities.
“The tender is now live to source battery electric vehicles for the Athlone town service,” confirmed Stephen Kent, Chief Executive Officer of Bus Eireann, who added that this move will “positively impact not only emissions but also air quality in urban areas.”
The company has also confirmed that it is planning to invest in its bus stations, and will provide a service that is “100% fully accessible and 100% emissions free” into the future.