Wrightbus strengthens Transport for Wales partnership with new bus orders as Ballymena-built fleet hits the road

A growing partnership with Transport for Wales (TfW) has delivered another boost for Ballymena-based bus manufacturer Wrightbus, with a new fleet of buses now carrying passengers across Wales and further electric vehicles already on order.

The latest milestone sees 14 new Wrightbus double-deck diesel buses enter service on the TrawsCymru network, while the company has also secured a contract to build six zero-emission single-deck electric buses for delivery in 2027.

For Wrightbus, the announcement continues a period of significant international growth, reinforcing the company’s position as one of Northern Ireland’s leading manufacturers as it celebrates its 80th anniversary.

New fleet already in service

The new double-deck buses are now operating on the Welsh Government-backed TrawsCymru network, which provides long-distance public transport links between towns and rural communities across Wales.

The additional order for six battery-electric buses will further expand the fleet in 2027, contributing to Wrightbus’s global operational fleet of more than 3,000 buses.

The announcement comes just days after the Ballymena manufacturer revealed it is expanding into the Australian market, underlining continued demand for its diesel, battery-electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Transport for Wales visits Ballymena headquarters

Representatives from Transport for Wales recently visited Wrightbus’s headquarters in Ballymena to begin planning the next phase of the project.

The delegation met the company’s specification team before touring the factory, where they saw first-hand how the buses are manufactured and explored design and specification options for the new electric vehicles.

The visit marks another step in what has become an increasingly important relationship between the two organisations.

Helping connect communities

Christian Reynolds, Managing Director of Wrightbus, said:

“It’s fantastic to see our buses carrying passengers across Wales, helping to improve connectivity for communities.

“We’re equally delighted to be building on that success with a further order of six electric buses. Welcoming the TfW team to our factory in Ballymena was a great opportunity to demonstrate the expertise and innovation that goes into every Wrightbus vehicle and to begin shaping the next generation of buses for Wales.

“As we celebrate our 80th anniversary, we’re proud that buses designed and built in Northern Ireland and supporting a supply chain from all corners of the continent are continuing to play such an important role in the future of public transport across the UK.”

Investment in greener transport

Transport for Wales said the new buses form part of wider investment to modernise the TrawsCymru network while supporting the Welsh Government’s ambitions for a greener, more integrated public transport system.

Lee Robinson, Executive Director for Regional Transport and Integration at TfW, said:

“The success of the TrawsCymru network highlights the important role buses play in connecting communities, particularly in rural parts of Wales, while providing sustainable transport options for passengers.

“These new Wrightbus vehicles are part of our investment to modernise the fleet across the network, helping to improve the customer experience and strengthen the T Network by making journeys between bus and rail simpler and easier.

“As we work with local authorities across Mid Wales ahead of franchising, investments like this are helping us build towards a fully integrated, fully franchised bus network for Wales.”

Another milestone in Wrightbus’s growth

Founded in 1946, Wrightbus has grown from a family business in Ballymena into one of the UK’s best-known bus manufacturers.

The company pioneered aluminium bus construction, introduced low-floor bus technology, built London’s iconic New Routemaster and developed the world’s first hydrogen-powered double-deck bus.

Today, Wrightbus employs more than 2,300 people across Northern Ireland, Germany and Malaysia, while supporting a further 7,500 jobs throughout its international supply chain.

The latest Transport for Wales orders provide another example of how buses designed and built in Ballymena continue to secure major contracts, supporting skilled local employment while exporting Northern Ireland manufacturing expertise to customers around the world.