Wrightbus in Ballymena builds momentum as London celebrates 2,000 zero-emission buses

Specially wrapped 2000th zero-emission bus, built by Wrightbus in Ballymena

A major milestone in the UK’s transition to greener public transport has placed Ballymena-based Wrightbus at the centre of a nationwide green revolution.

London now boasts more than 2,000 zero-emission buses in active service — the largest such fleet in Western Europe — with a significant number of these state-of-the-art vehicles built right in Northern Ireland.

Wrightbus, a global leader in zero-emission technology headquartered in Ballymena, has been instrumental in delivering the capital’s clean air vision.

The company’s Electroliner buses are helping to reduce toxic emissions, combat climate change, and support thousands of green jobs across the UK and Ireland.

Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Wrightbus, welcomed the announcement:

“This is a landmark moment for London and for Wrightbus and one we’re proud to be a part of. Public transport is leading the way in the zero-emission transition, and we are delighted to support Mayor Sadiq Khan’s tireless efforts to improve air quality, reduce carbon and support UK manufacturing.”

As part of a new five-year agreement with Transport UK, Wrightbus will supply an additional 75 zero-emission buses in 2025 alone. The move enables the company to scale up its production at the Ballymena factory, securing around 2,000 direct jobs and supporting an additional 7,200 jobs across 47 counties through its supply chain.

“Every Wrightbus in service on the streets of London helps to support good, green skilled jobs and the wider manufacturing sector across the UK,” Mr Gales added. “As the UK’s leading zero-emission bus manufacturer, Wrightbus vehicles are built with parts from suppliers across the UK manufacturing sector, so our success is its success.”

Green jobs, local impact

The zero-emission fleet expansion is not only transforming London’s air quality but also fuelling regional economies. In Ballymena, Wrightbus has emerged as a major employer and a key player in the UK’s clean technology sector.

The investment by Transport for London (TfL) and Transport UK in companies like Wrightbus underscores the importance of the green industrial base in Northern Ireland.

This momentum reinforces the UK government’s wider goals for sustainable transport and manufacturing, putting towns like Ballymena firmly on the map of climate innovation.

The boost in orders comes amid growing recognition of the environmental and economic benefits of zero-emission public transport. Since 2016, the number of electric buses in London has surged from just 30 to more than 2,000 — now making up over 20 per cent of the capital’s iconic red bus fleet.

Clean air milestones

Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan with TfL, Transport UK and Wrightbus team

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan hailed the achievement:

“It’s fantastic London is leading the charge with more than 2,000 zero-emission buses in the capital, the largest zero-emission bus fleet in Western Europe. This is helping to clean up London’s toxic air, protect the environment and the health of Londoners.”

London’s red buses are now among the cleanest in the world, with significantly lower CO₂ emissions per passenger kilometre than cities like New York or Vancouver.

The environmental impact is already measurable — roadside nitrogen dioxide levels across the city are now 27% lower than they would be without recent interventions such as the expanded Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

Transport UK’s Managing Director David Cutts added:

“Working with Transport for London and our supply chain, Transport UK are showcasing world-class public transport, in the process improving air quality and helping to secure UK-based employment.”

Route 337 and the Wrightbus Electroliner

A key example of Wrightbus’s contribution is on the newly electrified route 337, which runs between Clapham Junction and Richmond. The route now features 12 new Wrightbus Electroliners, providing quieter, smoother, and more sustainable journeys for passengers.

The zero-emission buses come equipped with the latest in passenger comfort and safety, including USB charging ports, speed limiting technology, and advanced pedestrian alert systems. Each vehicle is also designed to meet TfL’s rigorous Bus Safety Standards, aligning with the Mayor’s Vision Zero commitment to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries from London’s roads by 2041.

National impact

TfL’s zero-emission bus strategy is already delivering benefits across the UK. According to TfL, its £12 billion spend with over 3,000 suppliers in recent years has created around 3,000 jobs in green tech manufacturing hubs including Ballymena, Falkirk and Scarborough.

Lorna Murphy, TfL's Director of Buses, Claire Mann, TfL's Chief Operating Officer and Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan on the zero-emission bus

Lorna Murphy, TfL’s Director of Buses, said:

“Our investment in our operators and supply chain partners ensures continuous market growth and security, while supporting the national economy through the green and manufacturing jobs.”

The investment in zero-emission buses is estimated to save five million tonnes of carbon over the next two decades — a critical contribution toward the UK’s net zero targets.

A bright future for Ballymena

With orders continuing to rise and demand for zero-emission solutions growing worldwide, Wrightbus’s operations in Ballymena are well-positioned to remain at the heart of the UK’s green industrial future.

As London and other cities race toward net zero, Northern Ireland’s contribution via Wrightbus is powering cleaner air, greener transport, and sustainable jobs.