Go-Ahead has unveiled plans to invest £500 million in decarbonising its public transport fleet in the UK. Over the next three years, the public transport provider aims to purchase 1,200 new zero-emission buses from Northern Irish manufacturer Wrightbus.
The new fleet will feature buses with zero tailpipe emissions, which are set to operate in various locations, including Plymouth, Gloucestershire, East Yorkshire, London, and the Isle of Wight. To support this large order, Wrightbus plans to establish a new dedicated production line, expected to create 500 manufacturing jobs and an additional 2,000 jobs within the supply chain.
The UK government has outlined a broader initiative to maintain the country’s leadership in bus manufacturing while assisting local authorities in achieving their transport objectives and advancing zero-emission transport technologies. As part of this effort, the Transport Secretary is set to announce the creation of a new UK Bus Manufacturing “Expert Panel,” aimed at bringing together industry experts and local leaders.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh commented, “The half a billion pounds Go Ahead is announcing today shows the confidence industry has in investing in the UK.”
In addition to the investment, Wrightbus will establish a training and apprenticeship fund as part of the partnership. This initiative will lead to the creation of a learning academy for employees of Go-Ahead and Wrightbus, offering placements for students with special educational needs and young people not currently engaged in training or education.
Wrightbus manufactures both battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell single and double-decker buses. The company also retrofits conventional buses with zero-emission drive systems and has recently been contracted by First Bus to retrofit 30 diesel buses with new, cleaner drive technologies.
This order marks the largest in Wrightbus’ 78-year history, and as part of the deal, Go-Ahead and Wrightbus will commit to planting 10 trees for every vehicle manufactured, with trees planted in the towns and cities where the buses will be deployed.
