The new Wright Solar Rural (photo by Wrightbus)
FROM THE PRESS RELEASE FILES
Wrightbus have won an order to supply 45 new concept single deck buses to Translink, which will be used exclusively for their Ulsterbus services.
Northern Ireland’s rural areas are set to benefit from new buses – Solar Rural vehicles – specifically designed to make travelling by public transport more accessible to all. Built on a modified Scania K230 chassis, Wrightbus and Translink have worked closely throughout the product development process in order to design these new state of the art vehicles.
The Wrightbus Solar Rural design remains a 12 metre long low-entry vehicle incorporating an elevated floor area to the rear. The seating configuration chosen by Translink comprises two-plus-two seating at the front of the vehicle and two-plus-three seating at the rear. All seats are either forward or rear facing and are fitted with three-point integral seatbelts.
Translink Acting General Manager, Bus Services, Frank Clegg explained, “These modern new easy access buses will mark another milestone in the transformation of bus services in Northern Ireland. The unique design will maximise the seating available. Also the wide low floor ramped access door will mean easy boarding for our customers particularly those with prams and buggies while passengers requiring wheelchair access will be able to board via a dedicated side door. In addition, a modern fully colour contrasted interior has been applied.
“These new high specification buses will add to the recent enhancements made to Ulsterbus services and offer improvements in comfort, quality, safety and accessibility for all our passengers including commuters, shoppers and in particular school children travelling during the peak school run. We hope they will help to attract even more people to use our services.”
Passengers will have the benefit of bonded double glazing throughout, interior luggage racks and electronic destination equipment. The buses will also feature an anti-bandit signal unit, PA system and an eight camera CCTV system.
Sam McLaren, Wrightbus Commercial Director added, “We pride ourselves in listening to our customers’ requests to provide the right vehicle for the particular operation. We have worked intently with Translink, from concept to development, and the result is the Solar Rural which we are confident will meet their requirements for rural bus services in Northern Ireland.”
The first of the new vehicles is due for trialling on rural routes this month, and delivery of the remainder is planned by the end of the year.
AllAboutBuses 
Why would you want or need a seperate, dedicated door for wheelchair users? Why doesn’t everyone use the same door?