THE ‘FUTURE’ of transport in Reading is a little closer as the first two weeks of a trial of new buses have finished.
Reading Buses has been running one of its latest fleet acquisitions on routes around the town in a trial period ahead of a full roll-out next summer.
It comes after the company bought 24 zero-emission, electric buses following a £4.7 million investment from the government.
A joint bid with the council meant that the new double-decker buses could be bought after Reading Buses undertook extensive testing of vehicles from a number of suppliers.
Manufacturer Alexander Dennis was chosen and a model of the chosen buses was shown at Reading Buses Open day earlier this month.
A model has also been running on routes 17, between Tilehurst and Earley, and 21, between the town centre and Lower Earley.
Reading Buses already has one of the most environmentally friendly bus fleets in the UK, as it already used 66 gas-powered buses, and has been trialling zero emission vehicles in the last year.
Over the next two years, the new vehicles will be added to those running first on Route 17, which sees one fifth of all of the town’s bus users, and Route 21.
The routes run through some of the most high-density residential areas of Reading, where pollution from private vehicle use remains high.
John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, visited the demonstration bus at the Reading Buses depot.
He said: “I am very impressed with the new electric buses which will be carrying passengers around Reading in a year’s time. And I think they will be popular with Reading Buses’ customers and drivers.
“The introduction of 24 electric vehicles on two of Reading’s busiest bus routes will provide smooth, comfortable journeys for passengers while having zero impact on air quality for residents.
“The Council’s £26 million Bus Service Improvement Plan has already made travelling by bus in Reading easier, cheaper and more convenient. These new vehicles will be another good reason for taking the bus in Reading.”
Robert Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Reading Buses, said:
“This sizeable project will result in even quieter, smoother journeys for our customers. Equally important, these electric buses will also highlight the significant environmental benefits that already exist when switching to public transport.
“We hope this will be yet another reason for people to give our services a try, as well as helping to encourage a reduction in private car emissions and congestion. Both of these issues have such a significant impact on all the residents of the town.”
