Translink, the public transport authority in the North, has signed a £40 million (€60 million) contract with Volvo Bus and Ballymena-based Wrightbus for the supply of 285 new high-spec vehicles.

The order comprises 160 single-deck school buses and 125 double-deck buses, which will all be fully accessible for wheelchair-users and people with small children.

The first instalment of 110 school buses is already in production and the new buses are expected to join Translink's fleet ahead of the next academic year.

The remaining buses will be delivered from late summer, with the whole order expected to be on the roads by next spring.

In line with targets set out in the regional transportation strategy, the new buses will not only reduce the average age of the group's fleet, but will also adhere to European emissions standards.

The awarding of the contract follows a detailed public tender process and the outcome was welcomed by Philip O'Neil, Translink's acting chief executive.

"The Volvo/Wrightbus combination was deemed to offer the best technical and commercial solution," he said.

"Translink has experience using both bus brands and we have every confidence in our choice."

Of the 125 new double-deck buses, 80 will operate across the Six Counties, while 45 will be deployed within Greater Belfast.

Some 100 of the new buses will be fitted with seat-belts for school use.