Wright Pulsar
| Wright Pulsar | |
|---|---|
 A Wright Pulsar 2 on VDL SB200 in service with Arriva Shires & Essex | |
 Arriva Southern Counties Wright Pulsar 2 on VDL SB200 interior | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Wrightbus |
| Body and chassis | |
| Doors | 1 door |
| Floor type |
Low floor Low entry |
| Chassis | VDL SB200 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Cummins ISBe |
| Capacity |
44 seated, 28 standing 72 overall |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 11900mm |
| Width | 2500mm |
| Height | 3000mm |
| Chronology | |
The Wright Pulsar is a single-decker bus body that was built by Wrightbus in Ballymena of Northern Ireland for the VDL SB200 lightweight single-decker bus chassis between 2006 and 2014.
In total, 657 Pulsars were built. Arriva were the main customer for the Pulsar, with large number of Pulsars entering service at their Kent Thameside, North West, Midlands and Yorkshire divisions. First London purchased five hydrogen-powered Pulsars. Additionally, a number of independent operators also purchased Pulsars. A double-decker version of the Pulsar was also produced, known as the Pulsar Gemini.
First generation (2006–2011)
The Pulsar was launched at the 2006 Euro Bus Expo as the replacement for the Commander. It was also intended to replace the VDL SB120 based Cadet midibus; however, no shorter Pulsars have been built.
The first production example was finished in Arriva livery, based on the livery of their "Bus of the Future", a Wright Eclipse bodied Volvo B7L that was in service with Arriva Midlands. This first vehicle was registered CX07COJ and allocated fleet number 2620, and is currently operated by Arriva Buses Wales out of their depot in Rhyl; however it has since been repainted into the company's new "Interurban" livery.
First London took delivery of five hydrogen-powered VDL SB200s with modified first generation Pulsar bodywork in 2010 and 2011; these were the last first generation Pulsars built. The hydrogen fuel pods are fitted to the whole length of the roof on top of the buses.
Second generation (2009–2014)
The second generation Pulsar, known as the Pulsar 2, was launched in 2009. The Pulsar 2 features facelifted front and rear ends to match the new Eclipse 2.
The first examples were delivered to Arriva's North East and North West divisions in 2009. The Pulsar 2 was more successful than the first generation Pulsar, which many more having been produced compared to its predecessor. Arriva remained the main customer, with over 200 Pulsar 2s being delivered to Arriva North West alone between 2009 and 2013.
The final two Pulsar 2s were delivered to Claribels Coaches of Birmingham in April 2014.
External links
Media related to Wright Pulsar at Wikimedia Commons