'We’re ready for even more to take to our street': Wrightbus lands latest milestone as 500th electric bus enters service

Ballymena’s Wrightbus is celebrating a major milestone after its 500th electric bus entered service in Greater Manchester, underlining the manufacturer’s contribution to the UK’s transition to cleaner public transport.

The zero-emission bus, built at Wrightbus’s factory in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, has crossed the Irish Sea by ferry and been delivered to Stagecoach’s upgraded depot in Oldham, where it is now serving communities across the region.

It comes three years after Transport for Greater Manchester started bringing buses under public control - at that point there were only 35 electric buses in operation.

The huge increase in zero emissions buses has been made possible by major investment in the city region’s transport system, including the ongoing work to electrify bus depots.

With more depots now capable of charging electric vehicles, a further 163 new buses can now be delivered and put into service - with the last three orders this calendar year having been with Wrightbus. It puts Greater Manchester on track for a fully electric fleet by 2030.

This transition is set to cut over 76,000 tonnes of CO2 and 280 tonnes of nitrogen oxides every year and support Greater Manchester’s investment-led approach to improving air quality.

Christian Reynolds, managing director at Wrightbus, said: “For more than 80 years, Wrightbus has championed a UK-based supply chain. Building these buses at our factory not only provides direct jobs and skills in Northern Ireland but also creates additional employment here in Greater Manchester.

"We have developed strong ties with companies such as McKenna Brothers and North West Seating, meaning every Wrightbus on the streets of Manchester is serving the local community in more ways than one.

“The Bee Network is the blueprint for city public transport. As a proud partner, and manufacturer of the landmark 500th electric bus, Wrightbus is honoured to be playing a leading role in Greater Manchester’s ongoing transition to zero-emission public transport."

Bev Craig, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “In just three years, we’ve gone from having just 35 zero emissions buses in Greater Manchester to more than 500 brand new electric buses serving our communities. Now we’ve electrified another two depots, we’re ready for even more to take to our streets.

“Residents deserve modern, cleaner and quieter buses, and this is proof of what taking back control of public transport can achieve.

By cutting emissions we’re also improving air quality in our communities, whilst at the same time backing UK manufacturing businesses.”