First Cummins-engined Wrightbus StreetDeck delivery approaches
Wrightbus will soon deliver the first examples of its next-generation StreetDeck Ultroliner diesel double-decker with Cummins power to Isle of Man operator Bus Vannin, which has committed to six of the type.
They are the first new double-decks bought by the Isle of Man Government-owned operator since the pandemic. Each is powered by a six-cylinder Cummins B6.7 engine coupled to the latest Voith DIWA NXT seven-speed automatic gearbox in what the builder says will deliver a further reduction in fuel consumption.
Of the batch, two will carry heritage liveries to help mark the 50th anniversary of nationalised bus services on the Isle of Man in 2027. One carries Douglas Corporation yellow and the other in Isle of Man Road Services red.
Bus Vannin Director Ian Bates notes how the operator needs to replace vehicles “every year on a rolling basis” and that those displaced by new stock have typically worked for 12 to 14 years and covered 600,000 miles.
“As the buses age, they become unreliable, require additional maintenance, and are prone to gearbox or engine failures, which can cost over £35,000 to replace,” he notes.
Wrightbus CEO Jean-Marc Gales has thanked Bus Vannin for its business and commitment to supporting UK manufacturing on the StreetDeck order.
“Cutting emissions from public transport has been a huge priority for us, and whether it is zero-emission technology or super-clean diesels, every vehicle we produce is having a positive impact on air quality,” Mr Gales says.
Wrightbus previously noted how use of the Cummins B6.7 engine in the StreetDeck Ultroliner would open the product to potential repowering to hydrogen combustion later in life.
[adrotate banner="44"]
Beewise Travel of Sheffield adds a Yutong TC9 midicoach
Beewise Travel of Sheffield has taken delivery of a Yutong TC9 midi, supplied by Pelican Bus and Coach.
It follows previous used examples of the type into the operator’s fleet, with the first joining in 2018. Good performance from those earlier vehicles has influenced the latest purchasing decision.
The new coach is accessible to wheelchair users. It comes with the standard TC9 fitments, including USB and 240-volt power sockets, wood-effect flooring, lateral adjustment on aisle positions, and much else.
Power is from the Cummins B6.7 engine developing 320bhp driving through a ZF EcoLife automatic gearbox. “Beewise Travel has been a loyal customer, and we are very pleased to hand over this superb example,” says Pelican UK Coach and Truck Sales Manager Simon Collins.
[adrotate banner="44"]
Bus Eireann to take 39 Wrightbus Contour coaches for school work
Wrightbus will supply 39 of its Contour coach model to Irish operator Bus Eireann for use as school vehicles in the first confirmed order for the type, which is built by King Long.
They have a bespoke specification to suit the application. Delivery will be completed in the first half of 2026. Each will have 55 seats with all-age belts to maximise capacity and safety. A Cummins X11 engine rated at 400bhp coupled to a ZF EcoLife automatic gearbox is used.
The first examples of the order are complete, and they will be to what in the UK would be considered PSVAR ready specification with an additional door already present. Wrightbus says that will protect residuals for potential second-life usage. Other fitments include a multi-camera CCTV system and a camera monitoring system in lieu of conventional mirrors.
Each coach will fully comply with General Safety Regulation 2 requirements. Wrightbus says the Contour has a lead time of six to eight months. Support will be under a full Wrightbus warranty alongside a service and maintenance package from AllServiceOne, its repair and maintenance arm.
Speaking about the deal, Wrightbus CEO Jean-Marc Gales says: “As the first new fleet of Wrightbus Contour coaches on the roads for more than three decades, this is an important milestone for us. We are particularly pleased to have received the order just months after launching the coach to market.
“The Contour was launched because at Wrightbus, we recognised the gaps in the market, alongside a growing demand for coaches. The Contour is an attractive option thanks to its affordability and high quality.
“Our fast lead time also matches the need to be responsive and agile in a market that has undergone drastic change in recent years, resulting in customers often experiencing extended delays in vehicle procurement. We are looking forward to working closely with Bus Eireann to deliver and launch the coaches onto the streets of Ireland next year.”
Besides the diesel Contour, Wrightbus has underlined its intent to debut a hydrogen fuel cell-electric coach. That vehicle is under development in Northern Ireland and will not involve King Long. At launch it will be a tri-axle with a claimed 1,000km range.