A new electric bus is continuing to allow South Antrim Community Transport to make a difference in the area following its recent arrival.

This bus was purchased through Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon's Blue/Green Fund, with South Antrim representing one of 13 Community Transport operators who will receive a new electric bus as part of an overall capital investment of £1.36million.

South Antrim's electric bus is the first to become operational, with the remaining 12 buses set to enter service by March 2022.

Speaking during a visit to South Antrim to mark the arrival of the new vehicle, Minister Mallon said: "I recognise the important contribution that community transport makes in complementing the wider public transport network, helping connect communities and ensuring that some of the most vulnerable people in our society are able to access essential local services and more actively participate in society.

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"I also want to acknowledge the role that Community Transport Operators have played during the pandemic. In the initial COVID response, they transitioned their services from passenger transport to delivery of food, groceries and medicines. As the vaccines were rolled out they also ensured that many people without access to transport were able to get to their Covid Vaccination appointments."

Minister Mallon added: "I was delighted to visit South Antrim Community Transport to hear about the work they do within their local community and to celebrate the arrival of their new electric bus which will help them to continue to provide those vital services.  

"I am committed to delivering cleaner, greener, sustainable infrastructure.  This £1.36m pilot project to provide 13 electric vehicles aims to reduce carbon emissions, increase community awareness of zero emission vehicles and allow us to evaluate the use of electric vehicles in the context of community transport. 

"These are the changes we need to see to help us tackle the climate crisis and contribute to better health outcomes for all our population. I will continue to make positive steps to support cleaner, greener travel."