All services will initially continue unchanged
Reading Buses has announced the acquisition of Newbury & District’s operation in the Newbury and Thatcham area.
Jointly employing over 600 staff in the area, the two operators have worked successfully together for a number of years on running the Jet Black 1 route, which operates between Reading and Newbury.
According to Reading Buses, the acquisition “fits well with its current expansion” and is “a strategic move to strengthen its offering in the West Berkshire area.”
The news follows Reading Buses’ successful operation of the Kennections service under contract to West Berkshire Council, a route which the operator has run since September 2016.
Tony Pettitt, Interim Chief Executive Officer at Reading Buses, commented: “We have been looking at ways of strengthening and expanding our network and, after the recent success with our Green Line and Thames Valley services to the east of Reading, we realised we had a great opportunity on our own doorstep.
“We will be sorting out all the details and ensuring there is a smooth transition so that customers will see no disruption to their services.
“Initially, Newbury & District will be running all of its services exactly as at present, whilst further into the future we may look at merging some routes and harmonising branding.”
Simon Weaver, outgoing Managing Director of Newbury & District, added: “Reading Buses has evolved into a multi-award-winning business synonymous with style and innovation.
“We are delighted that our customers and staff will be in such safe hands.”
