
Leading bus manufacturer Wrightbus has welcomed Northern Ireland Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd, who heard all about what the firm is doing to create jobs, help tackle the climate emergency through its greener travel options.
The Minister had the opportunity to tour the firm’s Ballymena factory to find out more about the technologies used in delivering zero-emission buses.
Translink, which operates bus and rail services across Northern Ireland, has placed orders for 332 buses from Wrightbus over the past three years, following investment from the Department of Infrastructure. At present, 158 are already in service.
These orders include 138 zero emission buses for use in both Belfast and Derry. The first 100 of these zero emission buses entered the Belfast Metro service in March and the remainder will all be in service by the end of June. The buses for Foyle Metro will start to enter service in Spring 2023.
Neil Collins, Managing Director of Wrightbus, said: “It was fantastic to welcome the Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd to Wrightbus headquarters and show him the world-leading work we’re doing to further enhance sustainable transport options.
“We are immensely proud that the buses we are manufacturing in Ballymena are helping to lead the way globally - and this investment from the Department demonstrates their commitment to providing more attractive and greener public transport options for service users.”
Minister O’Dowd said: “This is an exciting time for public transport as we continue the move towards decarbonising the Translink fleet to deliver greener transport to help tackle the climate crisis. The technologies developed by Wrightbus are at the forefront of this and I am delighted to have had the opportunity today to see their expertise at first-hand and meet with some of the staff delivering this important work.
“Many of the 100 new zero emission buses are already in passenger service across Belfast. When the remainder are delivered, Translink will have the fourth largest fleet across these islands of zero emission buses. In addition, Wrightbus is also working on 38 new zero-emission battery electric buses for Derry. When these are ready in Spring 2023 the entire Foyle Metro fleet will be zero-emission which will have a positive impact on air quality in the city.”
The Minister went on to say the Department is doing all it can to encourage people to use more sustainable transport options, including public transport, as well as encouraging people to walk and cycle. He said key to this was improving the public transport fleet, in order to make bus and rail travel as attractive an option as possible.
He added: “These new buses will offer the latest standards in comfort, quality and accessibility with in-seat USB chargers, WiFi and new accessibility features. With new contactless ticketing also being introduced, these developments will hopefully help more people to consider using public transport.”

Read more

Wrightbus’s first ever double-deck electric ‘low bridge’ buses launched in Leicester
Read on
















Wrightbus secures new deal to deliver zero emission buses to London
Read on
University students on the fast track to success thanks to Wrightbus racing car sponsorship
Read on
Arriva London makes further commitment to delivering a sustainable bus network across London.
Read on
Funding Award For Ballymena Hydrogen Production Facility at Wrightbus Site
Read on
Wrightbus secures new deal to deliver zero emission buses to Leicester
Read on
£25 million to boost roll-out of British-made green buses around the country
Read on
Recruitment Evening Encourages More Women Into The Workplace
Read on
Transport Secretary hails hydrogen bus production at Wrightbus
Read on
Plans announced for state-of-the-art green hydrogen project at Wrightbus Ballymena
Read on



Fostering is next stop for Norman after 30 years at Wrightbus
Read on


Metroline places order with Wrightbus for zero-emissions buses
Read on


GLASGOW OPEN TOP BUSES WILL SOON BE ONE OF THE GREENEST TOURS IN THE WORLD
Read on


Translink signs contract with Wrightbus for 100 new Zero Emission buses
Read on

Wrightbus showcasing benefits of Hydrogen at Labour & Conservative Conferences
Read on

Wrightbus to supply hydrogen cell technology to leading Australian bus operator
Read on

First Bus places one of UK’s largest ever EV bus orders with Wrightbus
Read on


Wrightbus staff form Guard of Honour in tribute to founder Sir William Wright
Read on

Wrightbus announced as Ballymena United sponsors for next two football seasons
Read on
New Sales Director for Parts & Services joins the Wrightbus team
Read on



NTA Announces Historic Agreement for 800 Battery-Electric Double-Deck Buses
Read on


Wrightbus signs landmark deal with Australia’s leading bus body manufacturer Volgren
Read on
Wrightbus Electroliner Officially World’s Most Efficient Double Deck Battery-Electric Bus
Read on




The first Wrightbus Electroliners set to enter passenger service in Belfast
Read on







Recruitment drive continues at leading bus manufacturer Wrightbus
Read on
Hydrogen-powered buses on the streets of the West Midlands for the first time.
Read on


Mallon unveils the first in Ireland Battery Electric Double Decker Bus for Public Transport
Read on

Fortescue Future Industries joins hand with JCB and Ryze Hydrogen
Read on
Wrightbus prevents one million kgs of CO2 from entering the atmosphere
Read on
The UK Hydrogen Roadshow shines spotlight on low carbon hydrogen innovation
Read on


Wrightbus creates hundreds of permanent jobs as bus orders flood in
Read on
Minister Poots visits Wrightbus to discuss its plans for green hydrogen economy
Read on




