Wrightbus has hosted a visit from the London Transport Patrons’ Circle, which included Network Rail Chairman and former Managing Director of Surface Transport for TfL, Sir Peter Hendy CBE.
During a tour of the Wrightbus’ Ballymena facility, Sir Peter accepted delivery of a Wright Handy DW15 bus on a Dennis Dart chassis, which has been newly restored to its original condition in London Buses Gold Arrow livery in a project undertaken by Wrightbus.
The vehicle is destined to join the London Transport Museum’s fleet at Acton, where it will be used as a ‘live’ exhibit during rallies and events.
Wrightbus is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year and the restoration is part of a series of activities and events carrying the theme ‘Forward Thinking Never Ages’ to mark the milestone.
Ian Downie, Managing Director – Sales & Customcare for Wrightbus, said: “It was a pleasure to have Sir Peter and the other members of the Transport Patrons’ Circle visit our facility this week and we were delighted to present them with this beautifully restored midibus which dates back to 1990.
“It really does look superb and we believe it will be a real added attraction as a live exhibit at its new home in the museum in Acton.
“This is a fantastic way to start our 70th anniversary year celebrations and our theme of ‘Forward Thinking Never Ages’ encompasses everything about Wrightbus, our buses, people and services.
“We look forward to having our customers and industry colleagues share in celebrating this important landmark year with us throughout 2016.”
Sir Peter said: “The London Transport Patrons’ Circle and I have thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Northern Ireland and to the Wrightbus facility.
“It is a thrill to take delivery of this beautifully restored Gold Arrow which will undoubtedly delight visitors and indeed, passengers at its new home in Acton.
“On behalf of the London Transport Museum, I’d like to thank Wrightbus for bringing the bus ‘back to life’ and to wish them good luck as they celebrate their 70th year in operation. As a company over the years they have been dedicated to the design, development and manufacture of buses that surpass all levels of operational efficiency, safety and passenger comfort.
“This is undoubtedly the reason for their continued success and longevity as one of the UK’s leading transport manufacturers.”
Other high profile names participating in the visit included Guy Marriott, Honorary Vice President at London Bus Museum and Sam Mullins, Managing Director of the London Transport Museum, plus members of the Museum’s Executive Committee.
