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Greater Manchester Bus Services Back in the Hands of the People

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Greater Manchester has taken a bold step in public transport, completing the historic re-regulation of its bus network. This milestone, the first in England in 40 years, represents a seismic shift in how the city-region connects its communities, promotes sustainability and drives economic growth. The transformation is part of the Bee Network, an ambitious vision for a fully integrated, “London-style” public transport system by 2025.
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Wrightbus Unveils Next-Gen Diesel StreetDeck Ultroliner

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Think diesel’s on its way out? Think again. Wrightbus has just dropped its latest innovation: the next-generation StreetDeck Ultroliner. It’s packing a Cummins B6.7-litre six-cylinder diesel engine, a shiny new Voith DIWA.8 NXT seven-speed transmission and some serious low-emission credentials.

A modern, silver double-decker bus parked on a rural road with green fields and a cloudy sky in the background. The bus has large windows and visible accessibility symbols near the entrance.
Wrightbus

This bus isn’t just clean – it’s clever. The StreetDeck Ultroliner carries Ultra-Low Emission Bus (ULEB) accreditation, meeting the same environmental standards as its four-cylinder, Daimler-powered sibling. It’s proof that big engines don’t have to mean big emissions. Wrightbus has managed to combine power and efficiency in a package that keeps up with tightening eco-regulations.

And here’s the clever bit: it’s built to evolve. Once zero-emission tech like hydrogen or battery-electric systems becomes more affordable, operators can retrofit this diesel workhorse with a Cummins hydrogen engine or an electric setup. Essentially, it’s a bus that ages gracefully – a rarity in a world where yesterday’s models quickly become obsolete.

The first five Ultroliners are rolling out to Bus Vannin, the Isle of Man’s public transport operator. It’s a significant milestone for them, marking their first major double-decker investment since the pandemic put the brakes on new orders. No pressure, right? But with a design as forward-thinking as this, it’s hard to imagine they’ll be disappointed.

Picture this: a modern, silver double-decker cruising along the Isle of Man’s winding roads, framed by lush fields and dramatic coastal views. Its accessibility features make it welcoming for all passengers, while its low-emission credentials ensure it keeps the island’s pristine environment in mind.

Wrightbus has not only redefined what diesel can do but also set the stage for a more adaptable, sustainable future. It’s a game-changer – and one that doesn’t need to shout about its green credentials to stand out.

What’s Under the Bonnet?

The StreetDeck Ultroliner is Wrightbus’s latest addition to the ultra-low-emission diesel bus lineup. Designed to meet the strictest Euro VI emissions standards, it offers two engine configurations for operators seeking either performance or efficiency: a 250HP option producing 1000Nm of torque and a 300HP variant with 1200Nm. Both use the proven Cummins B6.7 six-cylinder diesel engine. Pair this with the Voith DIWA.8 NXT seven-speed transmission, and you get a smoother, quieter ride that’s designed to balance power with fuel economy. Whether it’s handling hills or urban traffic, this setup delivers efficiency and comfort​.

What really sets the Ultroliner apart is its adaptability. While it’s a diesel powerhouse now, Wrightbus has baked in future-proofing. Operators can upgrade these buses mid-life to run on either Cummins’ hydrogen internal combustion engines or battery-electric powertrains, making them a versatile choice for fleets navigating the shift toward greener transport. This approach aligns with Wrightbus’s strategy to decarbonise the sector responsibly by offering a mix of diesel, electric and hydrogen options​.

Why Diesel? Why Now?

Yes, Wrightbus is the heavyweight champ of zero-emission buses in Europe, but not everyone’s ready for a full-on electric revolution. CEO Jean-Marc Gales summed it up nicely:

"The combination of the latest generation of engines from Cummins and the latest technology from Voith, coupled with our industry-leading Micro Hybrid technology, means the StreetDeck Ultroliner offers optimal efficiency in the diesel market, and we're delighted Bus Vannin will be the first customers to experience our new offering.

"We are rightly known as a predominantly zero-emission bus manufacturer, and we are very proud of being the largest provider of zero-emission buses in Europe earlier this year.

"However, the fact remains that not everyone has the funding to be able to make the switch to zero-emission. As a result, we believe in a blended approach of responsible technologies: battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell and the cleanest diesel technologies to ensure all our customers can continue to decarbonise as quickly as possible, whilst still maintaining financially viable operations.

"With that being the case, our role here is to make sure our diesel buses are as clean and efficient as possible and to ensure we can give them a second life as a zero-emission bus in the future through our NewPower business.”

Bus Vannin Director Ian Bates added:

"The five new buses to our ‘Bus Vannin’ fleet – the first double-deck vehicle order placed since the pandemic - see a progressive step forward in a known technology, the internal combustion engine, while continuing to take into account the Isle of Man Government’s Island Plan and commitments to climate change.

"Technologies continue to advance at an astonishing rate, but this controlled approach allows us to see how the network will look in the future, enabling an insight into possible hydrogen options alongside electrification.”

So there you have it – diesel isn’t dead. It’s just getting smarter.

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