Wright Group unveils US Streetcar RTV
Thursday, 16 October 2008
The Wright Group have taken a leap onto the world stage with the global debut of its new generation StreetCar RTV at the APTA Expo 2008 in San Diego, California.
The Wright Group, based at Galgorm, outside Ballymena, have taken a leap onto the world stage with the global debut of its new generation StreetCar RTV (Rapid Transit Vehicle) at the APTA Expo 2008 in San Diego, California.
This is the first of 50 environmentally-friendly vehicles to be delivered by the firm under a £31.4m contract commissioned by the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Southern Nevada.
The StreetCar RTV is a development of the StreetCar concept successfully launched in the UK in 2005 and, as with all Wright Group products, has been specially customised to Southern Nevada's exacting requirements - making it unlike any other bus in operation.
Wright Group Managing Director, Mark Nodder, said that the RTC in Southern Nevada want to attract commuters away from their cars, as well as provide fast and efficient transit for the high number of tourists who visit Las Vegas and the surrounding area.
“ The StreetCar RTV is the perfect choice," said Mr. Nodder.
“Each element of the StreetCar RTV has been designed and engineered to set new standards in public transit. Taking a radically different and totally innovative approach to every aspect of the design and build we have been able to challenge every aspect of the traditional concept of the bus."
Mr Nodder said it has been fantastic to showcase their work in San Diego, but hoped one day to also be able to provide this same level of high-quality public transport in Northern Ireland.
This is the latest in a series of significant contracts won by the Wright Group, including the provision of 50 'green' buses to Dublin Bus and an order worth over £125 million with FirstGroup, the world's leading transport company.
This significant order sets the standard for public transport and is powered by a state-of-the-art hybrid-electric system that is both fuel-efficient and more environmentally-friendly.
The high-tech StreetCar RTV interior also provides passengers with the latest travel information and internet access.
Passenger safety is assured by a panic button and a live video feed which can be relayed back to the bus depot as well as the local police station.
