Tuesday June 30th 2026
From L-R: Dylan Dastey (Lothian Engineering Director), Sarah Boyd (Chief Executive of Lothian and Edinburgh Trams), Tom Greenshields (Wrightbus Business Development and Government Affairs DIrector), and Phil Own (Wrightbus Head of Sales)
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Lothian Buses has introduced nine new Wrightbus GB Kite Electroliner vehicles, aiming to further its investment into modern and eco-friendly public transport.
The new single-deck buses entered service on Monday 29 June on Service 36, operating between Ocean Terminal and the Gyle Centre. The investment underscores Lothian’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality public transport, with customers benefiting from the latest advances in vehicle technology.
At an investment of £3.6m, the new buses offer a quieter and smoother journey, improved accessibility features and increased customer comfort, helping to meet the needs of the diverse communities Lothian serves.
Each Wrightbus GB Kite Electroliner vehicle can carry up to 76 passengers and has been designed with accessibility at its core. Features include a dedicated wheelchair space, a flexible multi-use area for buggies and mobility aids with optional buggy straps, and priority seating, creating a more inclusive travel experience for all customers.
The buses are powered by zero-emission technology, supporting Lothian’s wider efforts to modernise its fleet and operate a more sustainable transport network.
Dylan Dastey, Engineering Director, Lothian, said: “We’re delighted to welcome these new GB Kite Electroliner vehicles into service in partnership with Wrightbus.
“This investment is about delivering the best possible experience for our customers, with modern vehicles that are comfortable, accessible and reliable. The new buses provide a quieter and smoother journey while helping us continue to improve the quality of our network.
“As customer expectations evolve, it’s important that we continue investing in our fleet and infrastructure to ensure public transport remains an attractive, accessible and convenient choice for people travelling across Edinburgh.”
Christian Reynolds, Managing Director of Wrightbus, said: “We are proud to be working with Lothian Buses as it continues its drive towards an all zero-emission fleet.
“Wrightbus has a proud history of working with Lothian. This latest partnership is not only another step towards decarbonising public transport, providing cleaner air for the people of Scotland, but also supports domestic supply chain jobs across Scotland and the UK.”
The introduction of the new vehicles forms part of Lothian’s ongoing programme of fleet investment, ensuring customers continue to benefit from modern, high-quality public transport that supports the city’s growing travel needs.
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