London calling for Ballymena built bus

Produced by Wrightbus after a international design and tendering process, the new vehicle, spiritual successor to the iconic Routemaster, features lightweight construction and the very latest in hybrid engine technology that can see it return more than 11.5 miles to the gallon against a usual 5-6mpg.

The New Bus for London or NBFL, as it is somewhat unimaginatively known for the moment, has been hailed as a triumph by London mayor Boris Johnson and last week it seemed as if his subjects agreed.

“To see the bus on the streets of London doing what it was designed to do is fantastic,” said David Barnett, project manager and overall head of new product development at Wrightbus.

“The reaction has been great. We have been swamped and we have actually had to turn hopeful passengers away.

“Even as we drive down the street it is so impressive to see everybody’s reaction to the bus as it goes past.”

When the initial design was unveiled, he said there had been scepticism that the clean lines of the concept could be delivered in production guise.

“It is a real credit to Wrightbus that we have delivered on that concept idea and those images. We’re not particularly precious about what they call it; we’re just delighted to see the bus on the streets.”

A total of eight buses have been ordered so far and, as well as bringing a huge degree of kudos to the local firm, the development and production process pushed the whole company to new efforts that will be felt throughout the firm, Mr Barnett said.

“This is a new bus from the ground up. There are very few parts carried over from our existing range.

“Whilst you may not see direct carry over, the knowledge and the know-how that we have developed on this project; it’s inevitable that it’s going to carry through into some of our existing products.

“It’s been great in these hard times to see the company really get behind and get engaged in this process and we’re just delighted to see it roll out of the factory last week and onto the streets of London today.

“I’m sitting on the rear staircase looking out through the panoramic window and people’s mouths are just agape as we go past.”