Wrightbus gives London’s iconic Routemaster buses a new lease of life through major refurbishment programme

One of London’s famous red Routemaster buses undergoing extensive refurbishment by Ballymena headquartered Wrightbus

London’s famous red Routemaster buses are being given a new lease of life through a major refurbishment programme led by Ballymena-based bus manufacturer Wrightbus.

The latest bus to complete the programme has returned to passenger service after a comprehensive overhaul, with dozens more set to follow over the coming year as part of a project designed to extend the working life of Transport UK London’s fleet.

Forty buses undergoing extensive refurbishment

The latest vehicle, LT706, has completed a full refurbishment at RGI Bus & Coach Refurbishment Limited, the Warwickshire business acquired by Wrightbus in 2024 to strengthen its repair and refurbishment operations.

Following the work, the bus has returned to service from Transport UK London’s Walworth Garage.

LT706 is the ninth of 40 New Routemaster buses operating on London bus routes 3 and 68 to complete the programme. The remaining vehicles are expected to undergo refurbishment over the next 12 months.

Among those already refurbished is LT1000, the final New Routemaster ever built, which has also returned to service.

Designed to extend the fleet’s lifespan

Rather than replacing the vehicles, the programme is intended to maximise their operational life.

Each bus undergoes a detailed inspection before worn or damaged components are repaired or replaced, restoring the vehicle to an ‘as new’ condition ready for its next phase of service.

Ross Cleaver, Sales Director for Repair, Refurbishment & Repower Sales at Wrightbus, said the work goes far beyond cosmetic improvements.

“Refurbishment is about much more than appearance. It’s about giving operators the confidence that their vehicles will continue to deliver the highest standards of reliability, safety and passenger experience throughout their operational life.

“Our customers are looking for partners who can support them at every stage of a vehicle’s journey. By combining refurbishment, repair, and new vehicle supply, Wrightbus can provide a complete lifecycle solution that helps operators maximise the value of their fleets.”

Helping operators maximise investment

Gabriel Collins, Fleet Manager at Walworth Garage, said London buses are typically refurbished midway through their expected 14-year operational lifespan.

“Buses in the capital have a 14-year operational life and are typically refurbished at around age seven to eight, meaning vehicles are in ‘as new’ condition during a second contract term.

“The refurbishment programme consists of a comprehensive vehicle survey that identifies what needs either repairing or replacing and, as LT706 demonstrates, the team has done a fantastic job.”

Growing Wrightbus’ aftermarket business

The refurbishment programme also highlights the continued expansion of Wrightbus beyond manufacturing new buses.

The company acquired RGI Bus & Coach Refurbishment Limited in October 2024 to broaden its repair, refurbishment and repowering capabilities, allowing it to offer operators support throughout the full lifecycle of their vehicles alongside its growing range of zero-emission buses.

For Wrightbus, the project demonstrates how expertise developed in Ballymena is helping keep one of the world’s most recognisable bus fleets on the road while supporting operators to get more value from their existing vehicles.