Reading Buses

Reading took over operation of the Newbury Town network earlier this week. The fleet will eventually consist of Reading's fleet of Wright Streetlites along with 2 Enviro400s recently purchased from Go Goodwins. At present, only two vehicles are ready - Streetlite 161
Reading Transport 161 (RE63 EOF) by James Cusworth, on Flickr
And Enviro400 1214 (DU62 FHK LC62 WYN)
Reading Transport 1214 (DU62 FHK) by James Cusworth, on Flickr

Until the remaining vehicles are repainted, a number of loan vehicles are in use, including former First Optare Versa seed vehicle YJ62FLD
Reading Transport 110 (YJ62 FLD) by James Cusworth, on Flickr

Reading have also retained the contract to provide services to the Vodafone Headquarters on Newbury Business Park. As part of this, the current Vodafone fleet of 7 Scania OmniCity (N230UBs) and 4 8.9 meters Alexander Dennis Enviro200s are to bre replaced by brand new vehicles. These will included Irizar i3 bodied Scanias, Alexander Dennis Enviro400MMCs (the first double deckers purchased new for the contract) and Optare Solo SRs (the first Solos purchased new by the company in 14 years).

Also joining the fleet are Gas-powered Optare Solos FX04 WFR/V, YK05 CBV and YM55 SVJ/K/L ex-Stagecoach Lincolnshire. They will be numbered 181-6 (exact numbers to be confirmed) and are undergoing refurbishment at Bus and Coach World in Blackburn before delivery to Reading in the Sliver Genetic Livery.