On a rainy day that mirrored the inaugural bus journey in Reading 100 years ago, Reading Buses celebrated their centenary of running buses in the town.
In what resembled the first-ever civic-run, the company hosted civic dignitaries, current employees and retirees aboard a vintage Reading bus from 1935.
Starting from the civic offices in the town centre, initially, aboard a modern double-deck bus, invitees were delighted to meet the vintage Reading bus, complete with driver and conductor suitably attired, in Caversham Heights – the presence of which had been kept as a closely guarded secret.
With guests split between the two buses, the route took in Reading town centre, Tilehurst Road and Tilehurst Triangle as they tried to re-create the original route as closely as possible. Each attendee was gifted a commemorative ticket that replicated the originals issued 100 years previously.
The tour culminated in a brief talk on the history of buses in Reading by Robert Williams, Reading Buses Chief Executive Officer, and the similarities with people at the heart of the organisation.
Making its debut on last Sunday, when vintage buses also operated for the public to use, was Robert Williams immaculately preserved Optare Spectra 701. Robert tweeted “Quite a moment unveiling my project of over seven years to bring this iconic vehicle ‘MRD 1’ back to life, and help celebrate the Reading Motorbus Centenary with the first production Optare double-decker. Thanks to all those who helped so much along the way.”
The event was organised by Thames Valley and Great Western Omnibus Trust.