Wright StreetDeck

WrightBus introduced the StreetDeck to the UK bus market in 2014, intended as a replacement for the VDL DB300.  It is available in two lengths and with two drive-train combinations in both straight diesel and hybrid versions.  Originally only available with a 4-cylinder Mercedes-Benz OM934, a 6-cylinder option was made available in 2019 due to limitations in the operating performance of the 4-cylinder.  A 6-cylinder StreetDeck can be easily identified by its larger rear overhang, lack of lower-deck rear window and its larger upper-deck rear window.

The StreetDeck is traditionally available in full-height form, but can also be ordered as low-height vehicles, mainly proving popular with Arriva and Go Ahead’s Oxford Bus Company.

Having been originally modelled in the WrightBus family style with the curved windscreen, much similar to the Gemini 2; the StreetDeck was quickly modified to utilise the ‘Stealth’ front to sit alongside the StreetLite.

Arriva Midlands took delivery of one of the first StreetDecks incorporating the stealth front design, complete with additional glazed staircase – the first in the StreetDeck range to feature such a thing.  This bus, whilst fitted with a standard OM934 engine was the first and so far, only, StreetDeck to utilise a 6-speed ZF transmission, the rest featuring standard Vouth DIWA gearboxes.

Reading Buses ordered a batch in 2016 with a multitude of additional features; including an illuminated dash panel featuring the company logo, communal seating on the upper deck, no upper deck grab poles and were the first examples of dual-destination LED equipment on the front of the vehicles to provide extra information for passengers.

Hybrid technology

In 2018, the Wright StreetDeck HEV was introduced and was initially purchased by First South Yorkshire for Sheffield, to operate alongside the StreetLite HEVs which were also ordered.  These can be easily identified by their extra cooling grills on the front bumper and the large battery pack on the front nearside axle, noticeable due to the odd positioning of the nearside destination screen.

Hydrogen technology

First Aberdeen took delivery of the world’s first Hydrogen powered double deck vehicles in 2020.  These FCEVs utilise a Hydrogen ‘engine’ to feed power to a battery source which in turn powers the rear axle.