READING’S mayor cut the ribbon on a Broad Street unveiling ceremony for the new-look ReadiBus fleet last week.
This is the first time the door-to-door bus service for people with restricted mobility has had a significant makeover since its inception over 42 years ago.
For the last four decades, ReadiBus has had a distinctive burgundy and white livery, but the new-look, multi-coloured buses are designed to make service users feel more like part of the mainstream, rather than using a bus with designs of the past.
Now, with a bit of help from Cllr Tony Page, who unveiled the new look on Wednesday, April 10, they are looking fit for the 21st century.
“The new livery will further enhance the connection that ReadiBus is part of Reading’s public transport network,” explained ReadiBus general manager Peter Absolon.
“For people who are not able to use mainstream buses for the journeys that they need to make, ReadiBus is the only bus that they can use and so the service is therefore an integral part of the network.
“We won’t be changing the burgundy and white livery on our existing current buses; we will only be using the new livery as these buses are replaced.
“So the existing burgundy and white livery won’t disappear for a while yet and the two liveries will run side by side during the years of transition.”
Reading Borough Council’s lead councillor for climate strategy and transport, Cllr John Ennis said: “ReadiBus has been there to transport Reading residents around the borough for decades and we are all used to seeing their distinctive vehicles on the roads.
“It is exciting that the new buses are going to have a fresh new look but I am sure ReadiBus customers will continue to enjoy the same excellent service they have been used to receiving over many years.”
For more information about ReadiBus and its services for those with restricted mobility, visit: readibus.co.uk
