Menu
27/02/2012
First Passengers Jump Aboard New London Bus
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, will today deliver on his manifesto pledge to introduce a 21st century bus that draws inspiration from the iconic Routemaster, as the first new bus for London enters passenger service.
The bus, built by Ballymena's Wrightbus, will pick up its first fare paying customers in Hackney at around midday as it plies its trade on one of the Capital's busiest bus routes, the 38, which runs between Victoria and Hackney.
This first bus will be quickly joined by a further seven prototypes at a rate of one every couple of weeks as they roll off the Wrightbus production line where a team of 25 engineers and a 40-strong production team have built the prototype buses.
All eight prototypes will be in service by the end of May.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: "From today Londoners will have the chance to jump aboard this stunning piece of automotive architecture on which every feature is tailored to the London passenger.
"It represents the very best in British design, engineering and manufacture and is a demonstration of what can be done given imagination and determination.
Imagination and determination
"But it's not just a pretty face. The green innards of this red bus mean that it is twice as fuel efficient as a diesel bus and the most environment-friendly of its kind.
"When ordered in greater numbers it will make a significant economic contribution to the manufacturing industries, while also helping deliver a cleaner, greener and more pleasant city."
The new bus has a host of exciting and innovative features including three entrances and two staircases to enable fast boarding and alighting of passengers; the reintroduction of an open rear platform; LED lighting; new seating moquette and wireless bell pushes.
The new bus utilises the very latest green engine technology and is the most environmentally friendly bus of its kind.
The Mayor first announced his intention to create a new bus in the run up to the 2008 Mayoral election.
(CD/GK)
The bus, built by Ballymena's Wrightbus, will pick up its first fare paying customers in Hackney at around midday as it plies its trade on one of the Capital's busiest bus routes, the 38, which runs between Victoria and Hackney.
This first bus will be quickly joined by a further seven prototypes at a rate of one every couple of weeks as they roll off the Wrightbus production line where a team of 25 engineers and a 40-strong production team have built the prototype buses.
All eight prototypes will be in service by the end of May.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: "From today Londoners will have the chance to jump aboard this stunning piece of automotive architecture on which every feature is tailored to the London passenger.
"It represents the very best in British design, engineering and manufacture and is a demonstration of what can be done given imagination and determination.
Imagination and determination
"But it's not just a pretty face. The green innards of this red bus mean that it is twice as fuel efficient as a diesel bus and the most environment-friendly of its kind.
"When ordered in greater numbers it will make a significant economic contribution to the manufacturing industries, while also helping deliver a cleaner, greener and more pleasant city."
The new bus has a host of exciting and innovative features including three entrances and two staircases to enable fast boarding and alighting of passengers; the reintroduction of an open rear platform; LED lighting; new seating moquette and wireless bell pushes.
The new bus utilises the very latest green engine technology and is the most environmentally friendly bus of its kind.
The Mayor first announced his intention to create a new bus in the run up to the 2008 Mayoral election.
(CD/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 May 2022
Translink Bus Strike 'Back On' From 17-23 May
The bus strike "is back on", the GMB Union has announced after their members rejected a revised pay offer. The union has said that drivers, cleaners and shunters across the company will walk out for seven days from 17 to 23 May 2022, "causing the entire bus network to grind to a halt".
Translink Bus Strike 'Back On' From 17-23 May
The bus strike "is back on", the GMB Union has announced after their members rejected a revised pay offer. The union has said that drivers, cleaners and shunters across the company will walk out for seven days from 17 to 23 May 2022, "causing the entire bus network to grind to a halt".
07 March 2022
London Mayor Sadiq Khan Visits Wright Bus
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has joined North Antrim MP Ian Paisley in a visit to Wright Bus in Ballymena. Transport For London is one of the firms major customers. Speaking after the visit, Mr Paisley said: "The visit to Wright Bus by the London Mayor to encourage the workforce and thank them for the great product is very welcome.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan Visits Wright Bus
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has joined North Antrim MP Ian Paisley in a visit to Wright Bus in Ballymena. Transport For London is one of the firms major customers. Speaking after the visit, Mr Paisley said: "The visit to Wright Bus by the London Mayor to encourage the workforce and thank them for the great product is very welcome.
20 June 2024
New Temporary Bus Lanes To Be Introduced In Belfast
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has announced that new temporary bus lanes will come into operation in Belfast from Monday 1 July. Temporary bus lanes are being implemented as major public improvement projects around the new Belfast Grand Central Station intensify.
New Temporary Bus Lanes To Be Introduced In Belfast
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has announced that new temporary bus lanes will come into operation in Belfast from Monday 1 July. Temporary bus lanes are being implemented as major public improvement projects around the new Belfast Grand Central Station intensify.
23 March 2018
Translink Urges Women To Take Up A Career In Bus Driving
Translink is urging women to find out more about a career as a bus driver. The firm is encouraging females to take part in 'Have A Go Days' to increase the numbers of women applying. Translink is currently recruiting for Metro, Glider and Ulsterbus drivers.
Translink Urges Women To Take Up A Career In Bus Driving
Translink is urging women to find out more about a career as a bus driver. The firm is encouraging females to take part in 'Have A Go Days' to increase the numbers of women applying. Translink is currently recruiting for Metro, Glider and Ulsterbus drivers.
19 August 2015
Belfast City Centre Bus Lane Scheme Criticised
The SDLP said it is "seriously concerned" after a city centre bus lane scheme in Belfast has left motorists confused. In Great Victoria street, one signpost contains two signs which have led to confusion, however motorists are still being fined.
Belfast City Centre Bus Lane Scheme Criticised
The SDLP said it is "seriously concerned" after a city centre bus lane scheme in Belfast has left motorists confused. In Great Victoria street, one signpost contains two signs which have led to confusion, however motorists are still being fined.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
