Ballymena bus hits streets of London
THE Ballymena-built heir to the iconic Routemaster bus begins service on the streets of London next week, manufacturer Wrightbus said yesterday.
The new double-decker, already hailed as a modern masterpiece by London Mayor Boris Johnson, is expected to bring back some character to the capital, while also being efficient and more environmentally friendly than predecessors.
One of the buses produced at the Wrightbus plant in Co Antrim is currently being used for driver training by the operator Transport for London and a second bus will begin carrying passengers from Monday.
Presenting a modern take on the Routemaster, the new bus also marks the return of the rear platform allowing passengers to jump off and jump on along the route.
The news emerged as the company confirmed receipt of an order for a further five single-decker buses from one of the leading UK operators Stagecoach as part of an ongoing supply contract for the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway system, opened in 2010.
The service already uses 10 Wrightbus vehicles and more sales are anticipated as the service grows. The route features a guided steering system that allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel.
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 12 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South
