Isle of Man welcomes new ultra-low emission Wrightbus buses

The new Wrightbus StreetDeck Ultroliner model, built in Ballymena, entering service on the Isle of Man

The Isle of Man’s public transport network is set for a major upgrade as six new cutting-edge diesel buses built by Wrightbus prepare to enter service, replacing vehicles that have been serving the island’s communities for up to 14 years.

The new StreetDeck Ultroliner models, designed and manufactured by the leading Ballymena-based engineering firm, will join the Bus Vannin fleet — marking the first double-deck buses purchased by the government-owned operator since the pandemic.

Powered by a Cummins B6.7 litre six-cylinder diesel engine and equipped with the latest Voith DIWA NXT 7-speed transmission, the StreetDeck Ultroliner represents a leap forward in diesel technology — delivering improved fuel efficiency and ultra-low emissions in line with Wrightbus’s commitment to cleaner transport solutions.

Ian Bates, Director of Bus Vannin, said the investment was essential to ensure reliability and efficiency across the network.

“Bus Vannin needs to replace old buses every year on a rolling basis. Typically, the buses being replaced have worked for 12 to 14 years and covered 600,000 miles,” he explained.

“As the buses age they become unreliable, require additional maintenance and are prone to gearbox or engine failures, which can cost over £35,000 to replace.”

Dr Michelle Haywood MHK, Minister for Infrastructure, welcomed the arrival of the new vehicles, highlighting their efficiency and environmental benefits.

“The six new buses will be more efficient than the ones they replace,” she said.

“People depend on our excellent buses and we need to deliver a reliable, clean and comfortable service. These new vehicles will maintain that service. They have the latest clean diesel technology and an eco-efficient gearbox, which helps to reduce emissions.”

Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Wrightbus, praised the collaboration with Bus Vannin and emphasised the firm’s ongoing mission to drive down transport emissions.

“It has been a pleasure to work with Bus Vannin on this project, and their commitment to supporting UK industry is clear,” he said.

“Cutting emissions from public transport has been a huge priority for us and whether it’s zero-emission technology or super-clean diesels, every vehicle we produce is having a positive impact on air quality.”

In a nod to the island’s transport heritage, two of the new buses have been painted in traditional livery at no extra cost to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Isle of Man’s nationalised bus service next year.

One features Douglas Corporation yellow, while the other carries Isle of Man Road Services red — both a colourful tribute to the island’s proud transport history.

The new Wrightbus fleet is expected to enter service in the coming weeks, enhancing both the reliability and environmental performance of the Isle of Man’s public transport system.