Go-Ahead Commits £500 Million to Manufacture 1,200 Zero-Emission Buses

Image Credit: Go-Ahead

Go-Ahead, a leading UK bus operator, has unveiled ambitious plans to pour £500 million into acquiring 1,200 zero-emission buses made domestically over the next three years. This massive investment signals a significant push toward sustainable public transport.

This order represents the largest in Wrightbus's 78-year history, making it a key player in bus manufacturing. It's a game-changer for Wrightbus, headquartered in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, and the broader UK economy. The deal is expected to safeguard 500 jobs at the Ballymena facility and indirectly support an additional 2,000 jobs across the UK supply chain by 2026.

Go-Ahead aims to make rapid strides toward greener transportation by deploying these zero-emission buses in cities and towns like Plymouth, Gloucestershire, East Yorkshire, London, and the Isle of Wight.

Moreover, in a move that underscores their commitment to sustainability, Go-Ahead and Wrightbus will plant 10 trees for every bus manufactured. These trees will be planted in the very communities where the buses operate, further contributing to a cleaner, greener environment.

This investment represents a substantial shift in the UK's bus industry and positions Go-Ahead and Wrightbus at the forefront of a national drive toward decarbonizing transport.

"This multi-million-pound investment and partnership with Wrightbus will accelerate the transition to zero-emission fleet across the UK," said Matt Carney, CEO of Go-Ahead Bus.

"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."

In addition to their substantial investment, the partnership between Go-Ahead and Wrightbus will establish a training and apprenticeships fund to foster skill development within the industry. This initiative will create a dedicated learning academy for employees, ensuring a continuous pipeline of trained professionals.

Beyond supporting their workforce, the program will extend opportunities to a broader community, offering placements to students with special education needs and young people not currently in training or education. This inclusive approach highlights the partnership's commitment to advancing green transportation and empowering diverse groups through education and skill-building.

"This deal with Go-Ahead is hugely significant not just for Wrightbus and for Ballymena, but for the wider United Kingdom," said Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Wrightbus.

"It represents a huge boost to the UK's economy and will support homegrown manufacturing, jobs, and skills for the next three years and beyond.