The Isle of Wight’s fleet of 22 electric buses looks set to be built in Northern Ireland, as the Go Ahead group announces a major £500million investment in UK manufacturing.
As previously reported by Island Echo, Southern Vectis is to acquire 22 electric buses – single and double deckers – to operate on Routes 1, 5 and 9 from February 2026.
It has been confirmed today (Tuesday), in the first significant update on the investment since March, that a new dedicated manufacturing line will be created at Wrightbus in Northern Ireland, whom Go Ahead is going into partnership with to support 500 manufacturing jobs.
A total of 1,200 new, zero-emission buses will be turned out from the factory over the next 3 years – that’s more than 30 buses a month. For each bus manufactured, 10 trees will be planted – including here on the Isle of Wight.
The Government is supporting the transition to electric vehicles as part of the Department for Transport’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Area scheme, which is being added to funding already ring-fenced resulting in a total investment on the Island of £12.7million.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has said:
“The number one mission of this government is growing the economy. The half a billion pounds Go Ahead is announcing today shows the confidence industry has in investing in the UK.
“This announcement will see communities across the country benefit from brand new, state-of-the-art green buses – which will deliver cleaner air and better journeys.
Article continues below this advertisement “We’re creating the right conditions for businesses to flourish, so we can support jobs and accelerate towards decarbonising the transport sector.
“Under this government, Britain is open for business”.
Go-Ahead Bus CEO Matt Carney adds:
“This multi-million pound investment and partnership with Wrightbus will accelerate the transition to zero-emission fleet across the UK.
“We are proud to be working in partnership with the UK government and local authorities to deliver transformational environmental change for communities, while supporting UK jobs and the growth of the country’s supply chain”.
The drivers are going to be absolutely thrilled when they find out that the only parking SV provide to them (yard behind the depot) is going to be occupied by the substation for charging these buses. Nelson Road and surrounding areas are about to become even worse for parking.
More planet saving bollocks..
Made about 12 miles from where I now live. Sure to look out for them.