Wrightbus wins rural bus build contract

Transport Minister, Conor Murphy made the announcement on Thursday, stating that the contract will bring new and improved buses to rural parts of the north, making public transport more accessible to outlying areas.

He said: “Translink have successfully worked in partnership with local manufacturer Wrightbus, and the supplier Scania, to ensure that the new ‘Solar Rural’ buses are specifically designed with accessibility in mind, including wheelchair or buggy access, comfortable seating and good standing space. I look forward to seeing the first of the new buses in rural areas throughout the north next month.”

The Minister also took the opportunity to view a new Ulsterbus High Capacity bus.

He said: “Translink have also worked closely with Wrightbus and the supplier Volvo and we can now mark the completion of the delivery of 61 new high capacity vehicles. These new buses which have emphasis on safety, comfort and the environment will be seen throughout towns and rural areas here.

Re-affirming the department’s commitment to investment in public transport the Minister added: “Significant investment of almost 104million by my Department has been provided from 2004/05 to 2008/09 to purchase over 700 new buses.

“Today is further evidence that we are committed to providing a modern, sustainable, safe transportation system which benefits society, the economy and the environment, and which actively contributes to social inclusion and quality of life. For me a key objective in investing in public transport is to encourage commuters and other travellers to use public transport for their journeys instead of the private car”.

TUV North Antrim parliamentary candidate Jim Allister welcomed confirmation of a further local order for Wrightbus.

He said: “Keeping the order book full is the secret for any company, so in difficult times it is good to see an order for local buses going to a local firm. Wrightbus, of course, is already supplying a new high capacity Ulsterbus, so complementing that with the order for these smaller rural buses is good news.

“By winning this order Wrightbus continues to demonstrate the competitive drive and quality product which has made them a prime operator in the bus sector.

“Both the hard-working local management and the loyal workforce can take pride in another order successfully secured,” he said.