Wrightbus secures new order for six new double decker buses for English city's transport service
The Ballymena bus-maker will provide half a dozen ultra-low emission diesel buses for Nottingham City Transport. The vehicles will be used for a long-distance route between Nottingham and Southwell.
Production is due to start soon on the buses in the Ballymena factory, and they are set to begin service in Nottingham by the 'late autumn' of this year.
The buses will have free WiFi and USB chargers, along with a table on the upper-deck and accessibility features including two wheelchair spaces, hearing loops and 'next stop displays that all customers can see.'
Wrightbus currently employs over 2,300 people, and this year aims to produce 1,200 buses from its Ballymena factory. The company says that by 2027, it 'expects to support 7,200 UK supply chain jobs'.
Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Wrightbus, said: "The combination of the latest generation of engines from Cummins and the latest technology from Voith, coupled with our industry-leading Micro Hybrid technology, means these StreetDeck Ultroliners offer optimal efficiency in the diesel market.
'We're delighted that Wrightbus ultra-low emission vehicles that have been designed and built here in the UK will soon be on the streets of Nottingham, offering passengers a comfortable journey while also helping to lower emissions.
"While we are proudly known for being the largest provider of zero emission buses in Europe, the fact remains that not all operators can access the funding to make the immediate switch to zero-emission.
'As a leading bus manufacturer, our role is to make sure our diesel buses are as clean and efficient as possible and to ensure we can give them a second life as a zero-emission bus in the future through our NewPower business.
'Our blended approach to responsible technology, which includes battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell and the cleanest technologies, ensures our customers can continue to decarbonise while maintaining financially viable operations.'
David Astill, managing director at Nottingham City Transport, said: 'We are delighted to be working with Wrightbus to deliver a significant upgrade to our Pathfinder service, replacing buses that are over a decade old with brand new, quieter, low emission buses that will boast features that are designed for the long distance nature of the route.
'As one of our longest bus routes, battery electric buses aren't a viable or realistic option for Pathfinder 26 currently or in the immediate future, but these buses can be repowered by Wrightbus and their NewPower business in the future to be fully electric, which will be something we'll consider when battery technology advances further.'
News Catch Up - Thursday 22 May
The order is the latest secured in England by the famous bus company. Wrightbus has provided a large number of buses for use in London, and has recently announced an order of six EV vehicles for Kent.
Outside the UK, the company has been doing a large amount of business in Germany, with an order for 28 hydrogen-powered buses with the Saarland-based firm Saarbahn.
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