Transport for Wales deploys 14 Wrightbus double-deck buses and orders six battery-electric vehicles

Wrightbus has placed 14 new double-deck buses into passenger service on the TrawsCymru network, while Transport for Wales has confirmed a further order for six battery-electric buses for delivery in 2027.

Transport for Wales (TfW) has introduced 14 Wrightbus double-deck diesel buses into operation on the TrawsCymru network, with the vehicles now carrying passengers across Wales. The deployment marks the latest phase of the partnership between the Northern Ireland manufacturer and the Welsh public transport authority, which has also placed an order for six single-deck battery-electric buses scheduled for delivery in 2027.

The company announced the development as it marks its 80th anniversary and during the same week it launched business operations in Australia.

Wrightbus expands Transport for Wales partnership

The TrawsCymru network is the Welsh Government-funded network of longer-distance bus services, managed by Transport for Wales. It connects towns and rural communities across Wales, particularly on corridors with limited or indirect rail links, and is designed to integrate with the national rail network through coordinated services and ticketing.

Representatives from Transport for Wales recently visited Wrightbus headquarters in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, where they met the manufacturer’s specification team to begin work on the configuration of the forthcoming electric buses. The visit also included a tour of the production facilities and discussions on vehicle design and specification.

Wrightbus states that it currently employs more than 2,300 people across operations in Northern Ireland, Germany and Malaysia, while its global supply chain supports a further 7,500 jobs. The company, founded in 1946, highlights its development of aluminium bus construction, low-floor bus technology, the New Routemaster for London and the first hydrogen double-deck bus.

TrawsCymru fleet renewal and network investment

The new Wrightbus vehicles form part of Transport for Wales’ fleet modernisation programme for the TrawsCymru network. TfW states that the investment is intended to expand the network and support the integration of bus and rail services within the wider T Network.

The authority also confirms that it is working with local authorities across Mid Wales in preparation for the introduction of bus franchising, with the current vehicle investment forming part of this programme. The six battery-electric buses due in 2027 will add zero-emission vehicles to the TrawsCymru fleet as the network renewal continues. The information was released by Wrightbus.

In brief

• How many Wrightbus buses have entered service in Wales? Fourteen double-deck diesel buses have entered passenger service on the TrawsCymru network.
• What additional order has Transport for Wales placed? TfW has ordered six single-deck battery-electric Wrightbus buses for delivery in 2027.
• What network will the new buses operate on? The vehicles are operating on the TrawsCymru long-distance bus network across Wales.

Christian Reynolds, Managing Director of Wrightbus, said: “It’s fantastic to see our buses carrying passengers across Wales, helping to improve connectivity for communities. We’re equally delighted to be building on that success with a further order of six electric buses. Welcoming the TfW team to our factory in Ballymena was a great opportunity to demonstrate the expertise and innovation that goes into every Wrightbus vehicle and to begin shaping the next generation of buses for Wales. As we celebrate our 80th anniversary, we’re proud that buses designed and built in Northern Ireland and supporting a supply chain from all corners of the continent are continuing to play such an important role in the future of public transport across the UK.”

Lee Robinson, Executive Director for Regional Transport and Integration at TfW, said: “The success of the TrawsCymru network highlights the important role buses play in connecting communities, particularly in rural parts of Wales, while providing sustainable transport options for passengers. These new Wrightbus vehicles are part of our investment to modernise the fleet across the network, helping to improve the customer experience and strengthen the T Network by making journeys between bus and rail simpler and easier”.