Transport group Go-Ahead has announced a £500 million investment in up to 1,200 electric buses, which will create and sustain thousands of jobs in the UK. The order, placed with Northern Ireland-based Wrightbus, will directly support around 500 jobs in Ballymena, where the buses will be manufactured, and help generate a further 2,000 jobs across the UK supply chain by 2026.
This major investment in zero-emission buses will also see Wrightbus expand its operations, with the creation of a new production line to meet demand. The buses are set to be rolled out over the next three years to serve various locations across the country, including London, Plymouth, Gloucestershire, East Yorkshire, and the Isle of Wight.
The job creation resulting from Go-Ahead's investment is expected to have a positive ripple effect throughout the UK's manufacturing and supply industries. The Department for Transport has highlighted that the deal will secure roles in sectors supporting bus production, helping sustain employment in areas such as engineering, assembly, and logistics.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh commented on the announcement: "The £500 million Go-Ahead is announcing today shows the confidence industry has in investing in the UK. This will not only lead to better, greener transport but will also create jobs and support communities across the country."
Supporting Decarbonisation and Local Employment
Go-Ahead’s chief executive, Matt Carney, emphasised the dual benefits of the investment, both for the environment and for employment. “This multimillion-pound investment and partnership with Wrightbus will accelerate the transition to a zero-emission fleet across the UK,” he said. “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 the jobs directly linked to the manufacturing of the buses, the wider UK economy stands to benefit from the production and roll-out of electric vehicles, as businesses involved in the production of components and related services are expected to see a boost.
Industry and Government Collaboration
As the transport sector continues to move toward decarbonisation, collaboration between private companies like Go-Ahead and the UK government is essential. The government has launched plans to support the bus industry by establishing a UK bus manufacturing expert panel, which aims to help councils improve bus services while reducing emissions.
The development follows Wrightbus's recovery from its 2019 administration, which resulted in significant redundancies. Since its acquisition by Bamford Bus Company, the manufacturer has been rebuilding its workforce and reputation, contributing to both local and national employment growth.
This new investment from Go-Ahead is expected to secure its position as a key player in the UK’s transition to greener public transport, with substantial job creation at the heart of this effort.
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