New TrawsCymru Fleet Signals Continued Investment in Public Transport Across North Wales

Investment in Wales’ bus network continues to gather pace, with new vehicles entering service and further zero-emission buses on the way as Transport for Wales works towards a fully integrated public transport system.

Businesses across North Wales could benefit from improved transport connectivity after 14 new Wrightbus double-deck buses entered service on the TrawsCymru network, with an additional fleet of electric buses scheduled for delivery next year.

The investment is designed to improve long-distance public transport across Wales, including routes serving rural communities where reliable transport links remain essential for employers, employees and visitors.

Better Transport Supports Regional Economies

Reliable public transport is widely recognised as a key factor in supporting regional economic growth, helping businesses recruit staff, improving access to education and training, and encouraging tourism throughout North Wales.

Transport for Wales has confirmed that six fully electric Wrightbus single-deck buses will also join the fleet in 2027 as part of wider efforts to modernise services and reduce emissions.

To begin work on the next phase of the programme, TfW representatives recently visited Wrightbus’s manufacturing headquarters in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, where they met engineers and reviewed specifications for the new electric vehicles.

Christian Reynolds, Managing Director of Wrightbus, said:

“It’s fantastic to see our buses carrying passengers across Wales, helping to improve connectivity for communities.

“We’re equally delighted to be building on that success with a further order of six electric buses. Welcoming the TfW team to our factory in Ballymena was a great opportunity to demonstrate the expertise and innovation that goes into every Wrightbus vehicle and to begin shaping the next generation of buses for Wales.

“As we celebrate our 80th anniversary, we’re proud that buses designed and built in Northern Ireland and supporting a supply chain from all corners of the continent are continuing to play such an important role in the future of public transport across the UK.”

Franchising Plans Continue

The new buses arrive as Wales prepares for significant reforms to the bus industry through the planned introduction of franchising, which aims to give Transport for Wales greater control over routes, service standards and ticketing.

For businesses across North Wales, improved integration between bus and rail services could make commuting easier while increasing access to town centres and supporting local economies.

Lee Robinson, Executive Director for Regional Transport and Integration at TfW, said:

“The success of the TrawsCymru network highlights the important role buses play in connecting communities, particularly in rural parts of Wales, while providing sustainable transport options for passengers.

“These new Wrightbus vehicles are part of our investment to modernise the fleet across the network, helping to improve the customer experience and strengthen the T Network by making journeys between bus and rail simpler and easier.

“As we work with local authorities across Mid Wales ahead of franchising, investments like this are helping us build towards a fully integrated, fully franchised bus network for Wales.”

Innovation Driving Future Growth

Wrightbus, founded in 1946, has become one of the UK’s best-known bus manufacturers, pioneering low-floor technology and hydrogen-powered buses. The company now employs more than 2,300 people across its international operations and recently announced the launch of business operations in Australia.

The expansion of modern and low-emission bus fleets is expected to play an increasingly important role in supporting Wales’ economic development, improving connectivity for businesses and communities while helping meet long-term environmental objectives.