Reading Buses gathered local stakeholders to launch new buses onto the streets of West Berkshire. New buses for the company’s ‘jet black’ route entered service on Monday 2 December, featuring high-back seating, USB-A, USB-C and wireless charging throughout, tables, mood lighting, and space for two wheelchair users, as well as a glazed staircase, tinted windows, and an air chill system upstairs. The upgrade follows the launch of similar high-spec double-deck buses to the east of Reading on the firm’s ‘lion’ 4/X4 between Wokingham and Bracknell in February 2024, and an improved timetable on ‘jet black’ 1 introduced in April 2024.
Reading Buses Chief Executive Officer Robert Williams 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.”
Councillor John Ennis added: “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.”
A week later, Reading Buses sister company Newbury & District launched new single-deckers covering its Newbury network. The new buses also boast 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.
Robert added: “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.”
Coucillor Stuart Gourley, Executive Member for Environment and Highways at West Berkshire Council, said: “The arrival of these new buses marks a significant step forward for public transport in West Berkshire. With their state-of-the-art features and improved accessibility, these vehicles provide a more comfortable, modern, and enjoyable experience for passengers. Whether you’re commuting, shopping, or exploring our rural areas, these upgrades demonstrate our commitment to enhancing and improving sustainable travel options and connecting our communities in a greener, more innovative way.”
