Ford Praises Wrightbus for Safer School Transport

12.24.09pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 13th Aug 2007

Mark Nodder, David Ford and William Wright on a new SchoolRun bus

Alliance Leader David Ford MLA has visited the Wrightbus factory at Galgorm, to see for himself the production of the new Wrightbus 'SchoolRun'. Translink has ordered 160 of these vehicles, specifically for taking students to and from school, as well as on school outings. David Ford was shown round the factory by Mr William Wright, Chairman, and Mr

Mark Nodder, Group Managing Director.

David Ford said: "In the first Assembly, the Environment Committee produced a very detailed report on safe transport to school. There were a number of specific recommendations, including the phasing out of 'three for two' seating and standing on buses. The committee also recommended that students and pupils should each have an individual seat belt.

"The new bus being manufactured by Wrights meets those specifications. There is space for 66 seats, with three seats on one side of the bus and two on the other. Every seat has a full three point seat belt. Each bus also comes with a wheelchair lift, and is swiftly adaptable to take a wheelchair as part of normal activities.

"I was keen to see the new bus for myself, and to see he benefits of the work done by the Assembly Committee in encouraging practical work by an innovative local firm. The directors of Wrightbus are to be congratulated for their vision and the workforce are to be congratulated for the quality of the new vehicles.

"I understand that more than half of the 160 buses ordered will be in use for the start of the new school year, with others being delivered during the autumn. This is good news for Translink and for those who use buses travelling to school."

The production line

During the visit, David Ford also had the opportunity to discuss the production of some of the other Wrightbus vehicles, including hybrid electric/diesel buses ordered by Transport for London.

He added: "It is well known that public transport has a huge part to play in cutting congestion and pollution. Wrights are at the forefront of innovation in both safety and environmental protection and I was delighted to see at first hand what a family-owned local firm is achieving."

Related Link:

Wrightbus.