Tell us about Wrightbus
Wrightbus, which was founded in 1946, has been at the forefront of public transport innovation, pioneering developments including aluminium bus framing and low-floor technology, while producing some of the UK’s most recognisable vehicles, including the iconic London New Routemaster.
Today, the company is leading the transition to zero-emission transport, having produced more than 3,000 zero-emission buses for operators around the world, including the world’s first hydrogen double deck bus.
For example, as we announced earlier this month, the first new Wrightbus ultra low-emission buses have begun arriving in Liverpool as part of a major investment to transform bus services across the region.
The new vehicles will play a central role as the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority brings buses back under public control for the first time in more than 40 years.
What is one of the company’s 80th anniversary projects?
Before Jo Bamford CBE rescued the company from administration in 2019, a significant amount of historical archive material was lost.
Now, as we celebrate our landmark year, we are calling on bus enthusiasts, former employees, drivers, operators, suppliers and members of the public to help rebuild our historic archive as part of our 80th anniversary celebrations.
Also, we are asking people to share photographs, stories and memories from across eight decades of Wrightbus history, including images of vehicles in service, rallies, depot visits and life inside the Ballymena factory.
We are particularly interested in hearing from people who have worked for, travelled on, or supported Wrightbus vehicles over the years.
From the people who designed and built our buses, to the drivers who operated them and the passengers who relied on them every day, thousands of people have played a part in our journey.
We want to capture those memories and preserve them for future generations. Whether you have a photograph of a Wrightbus vehicle on your local route, a picture from inside our factory, or a personal story connected to the company, we would love to hear from you.
Can you give an example of help already provided by Wrightbus enthusiasts?
Bus author and enthusiast Paul Savage was one of those to visit our headquarters during our recent staff fun day, on-hand to unveil a giant mural of Wrightbuses past and present.
Paul helped supply photos and information for the 30-ft long picture wall, helping the team piece together some of the best bits from the company’s proud history.
He also shared memories with the team after helping to compile The Wright Way, a book to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Wrightbus.
Our 80th anniversary is a celebration of everyone who has been part of the Wrightbus story over the last eight decades, and our thanks go to Paul and others who have been so generous with their help so far.
Do you have contact details for anyone keen to help?
Anyone with photographs or memories to share can do so by emailing [email protected]. Selected images and stories may feature in future Wrightbus displays and online content as part of our anniversary celebrations.
Christian Reynolds
Managing Director at Wrightbus
