Passengers Get Glimpse of Future Bus Travel in Reading

BUS passengers have been enjoying a taste of the future while an electric double deck vehicle has been running on routes around town for two weeks.

Reading Buses has ordered 24 zero emission electric double deck buses from manufacturer Alexander Dennis after securing £4.7 million Government funding in a joint bid with the Council.

The company sent one of the models to the Reading Buses open day in June and invited the operator to try it out for a fortnight.

The new fleet of electric buses are due to arrive in June 2025 and will operate on the Purple 17 route, between Tilehurst Water Tower and Wokingham Road, and the Claret 21 route, that runs between the town centre and Lower Earley, via the University of Reading.

Reading Buses undertook extensive testing of vehicles from several different suppliers before ordering the ADL model, which the company found to provide the best on-board experience for customers and drivers.

As well as being zero-emission and helping air quality in Reading, the buses offer a smoother, quieter ride and all-round better customer experience.

The vehicles have a heat pump to provide full air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter and they will easily be able to run on their routes for a full day on one charge.

Reading Buses already has one of the most environmentally-friendly fleets in the country and the addition of electric buses will support the Council’s aims of reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality and protecting the health and wellbeing of Reading residents.

The Department for Transport funding, through the Zero Emissions Bus Regional Area 2 (ZEBRA 2) scheme, provides for 75% of the difference in cost of a zero-emission bus compared to a regular diesel bus, and 75% of the cost of installing 13 fast chargers that can each charge two vehicles at once at the depot. The remainder of the cost will be met by Reading Buses.

John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, took a look around 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.”