Reading’s £1.3m Streetdeck order

Reading Buses has placed a £1.3m order for six Wrightbus Streetdeck double deckers. The decision follows the operator’s ‘summer bus trials’ last year that saw it evaluate a number of new models, including a New Routemaster. The buses will be used on the operator’s orange routes between Woodley and Reading. To Euro6 standard, they will be fitted with ‘MicroHybrid’ fuel efficient technology, and will be the first of the type to be fitted with automatic engine ‘start-stop’. Reading Buses is continuing to adopt the Lazzerini Ethos seat following successful deployment on its 2015 vehicle intake. This super lightweight seat uses approaches from the aviation industry to produce around a 30% weight saving. The enhanced model has been re-worked by the seat manufacturer, the operator and Best Impressions to further enhance both visual appeal and customer comfort. Features will include a glazed staircase and roof panels and the now standard 4G Wi-Fi and USB charging points. They will also harness the best features from the claret Spritzer student buses, such as social seating. The buses will enter service from the start of September 2016.