The operator is investing in new Wrightbus vehicles, which it says could be repowered later in their life with electric drivelines
Nottingham City Transport (NCT) has partnered with Wrightbus to upgrade its long distance ‘Pathfinder’ bus service between the city and Burton Joyce, Lowdham and Southwell. Six new low emission diesel double-deckers have been ordered for the route, and are expected to start carrying passengers in late autumn.
The new buses will be built to NCT’s high specification, including free WiFi and USB chargers, as well as high-back seats, two wheelchair spaces, a table on the upper deck, and improved accessibility features, including hearing loops and next stop displays.
NCT Managing Director David Astill said: “We are delighted to be working with Wrightbus to deliver a significant upgrade to our Pathfinder service, replacing buses that are over a decade old with brand new, quieter, low emission buses that will boast features that are designed for the long distance nature of the route. As one of our longest bus routes, battery electric buses aren’t a viable or realistic option for Pathfinder 26 currently or in the immediate future, but these buses can be repowered by Wrightbus and its NewPower business in the future to be fully electric, which will be something we’ll consider when battery technology advances further.”
Wrightbus CEO Jean-Marc Gales said: “The combination of the latest generation of engines from Cummins and the latest technology from Voith, coupled with our industry-leading micro hybrid technology, means these StreetDeck Ultroliners offer optimal efficiency in the diesel market. We’re delighted that Wrightbus ultra-low emission vehicles that have been designed and built here in the UK will soon be on the streets of Nottingham, offering passengers a comfortable journey while also helping to lower emissions.
“While we are proudly known for being the largest provider of zero-emission buses in Europe, the fact remains that not all operators can access the funding to make the immediate switch to zero-emission. As a leading bus manufacturer, our role is to make sure our diesel buses are as clean and efficient as possible and to ensure we can give them a second life as a zero-emission bus in the future through our NewPower business.
“Our blended approach to responsible technology, which includes battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell and the cleanest technologies, ensures our customers can continue to decarbonise while maintaining financially viable operations.”
