Nottingham City Transport partners with Wrightbus to launch new ultra-low emission buses on Southwell to Nottingham 26 route
A rural bus route linking towns and villages with a city is to benefit from upgraded, ultra-low emission buses.
Nottingham City Transport (NCT) had announced a partnership with manufacturer Wrightbus, and has ordered six brand-new, ultra-low emission, diesel-powered double deckers.
They will run on the long-distance 26 route between Southwell and Nottingham, which also serves villages including Thurgarton, Lowdham, and Burton Joyce, and Nottingham Trent University’s Brackenhurst Campus.
The new buses will be built by Wrightbus at its factory in Northern Ireland, and will come into operation in late autumn this year.
David Astill, NCT managing director, 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.”
As well as meeting stricter emission limits than the 2014 buses they will replace, the new ‘StreetDeck Ultroliner’ buses will feature comfier high back seats, two wheelchair spaces, a table on the upper deck, improved accessibility features — including hearing loops and next stop displays that all customers can see — free Wi-Fi, and USB chargers.
Wrightbus chief executive Jean-Marc Gales added: "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.”
