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.