READING Buses has celebrated the launch of updated fleets on one of its services.
New buses for the jet black route entered service on Monday, December 2, featuring high-back seating; USB, USB-C, and wireless charging; tables; softer lighting; and space for two wheelchair users.
They also feature a glazed staircase, tinted windows, and an air chill system upstairs to allow in plenty of natural light and help moderate the temperature.
The upgrade follows similar revamps to buses serving the east of Reading on the Lion 4 and X4 services between Wokingham and Bracknell in February and an improved timetable on Jet B1 introduced in April 2024.
Next week will also see Reading Buses’ sister company, Newbury & District, launch a new fleet new single deckers covering the entire Newbury network, including local routes to Thatcham, Greenham, and the Racecourse, as well as rural routes to Hungerford, Lambourn, and the Ilsleys.
All of the buses have been built in Britain by Alexander Dennis in a combined £4m investment from Reading Buses.
Robert Williams, Reading Buses Chief Executive Officer, 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.”
Cllr John Ennis said: “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.”
