Reading launching new Alexander Dennis buses
Reading Buses is launching a fleet of new Alexander Dennis buses into service in West Berkshire. They represent a £4m investment from Reading Buses.
New buses for the jet black route are now in service and feature high-back seating, USB, USB-C and wireless charging throughout, tables, mood lighting and space for two wheelchair users. There is also a glazed staircase, tinted windows and an air chill system upstairs to allow in plenty of natural light and help moderate the temperature.
The upgrade follows the launch of similar high specification double-deckers on the lion 4/X4 between Wokingham and Bracknell in February 2024, and an improved timetable on jet black 1 introduced in April 2024.
On Monday 9 December, Reading Buses sister company Newbury & District is to launch a new fleet new single-deckers from Alexander Dennis covering the entire Newbury network. The new single deck buses boast comfortable high back seats with USB A and C charging, skylights, wood effect flooring and an enhanced next stop announcement system, and have been ordered following the successful renewal of a contract with West Berkshire Council to provide services to more rural parts of the area.
“They represent a step-change in comfort for our customers” – Robert Williams, Reading Buses Chief Executive Officer
Robert Williams, Reading Buses Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are delighted to be able to put these new buses into service on jet black 1. They represent a step-change in comfort for our customers, and the culmination of our significant investment in our longer distance routes.
“The new buses for Newbury & District are head and shoulders above the current buses and customers will instantly see, and feel, the difference when travelling on board. These buses are custom built for Newbury, covering busy town routes and deeply rural areas interchangeably, and will boast a brand new look as well – to bring a more polished and striking look to the network.”
“It is good to see partnership working between West Berkshire and Reading in the promotion of using buses” – Cllr John Ennis, Reading Borough Council Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport
Reading Borough Council Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, Cllr John Ennis, said: “I am very pleased to see the launch of two fleets of brand-new buses and an upgrade of buses travelling through West Berkshire. I welcome the opportunity for residents in West Berkshire to use the new and upgraded buses and to increase bus use in the West Berkshire and Reading areas. It is good to see partnership working between West Berkshire and Reading in the promotion of using buses.”