Reading Buses has ordered seven double deckers compliant with London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) from Alexander Dennis, a British bus manufacturer.
The Enviro400 buses are for the operator’s Green Line 702 and 703 services, which travel to London and Heathrow Airport.
To meet the services’ longer-distance operations, the buses will be the first 11.5m- (37.7ft-) long Enviro400 model that Alexander Dennis has built with what it describes as ‘city-style bodywork’.
Some of the new buses’ features include a glazed staircase, skylights, air chill, wood effect flooring, high back seats with USB and wireless charging, social seating areas and LED mood lighting.
According to the bus manufacturer, five of the seven buses will have space to accommodate two wheelchair users, while the other two will be fitted with additional luggage space for airport journeys.
Both models will have a maximum capacity of 76 seats.
Robert Williams, chief executive officer of Reading Buses, said: “We are delighted to be placing this order with Alexander Dennis after a full tendering exercise showed the best specification for our customers alongside the best value for money, 24-hour support and lowest carbon impact.
“We anticipate this order setting a trend for the future as bus patronage continues to recover following the pandemic and look forward to deploying the buses onto our high-profile Green Line services.”
Mark Taylor, regional sales manager, Alexander Dennis, said: “We are pleased to have secured this prestigious order from Reading Buses as the award-winning operator upgrades its iconic Green Line services.
“Our expertise in tailoring vehicles to operators’ requirements means these will set new standards with a bespoke specification that will enhance passengers’ journeys to and from London and Heathrow Airport.
“The Reading Buses team will be fully supported around the clock by our comprehensive AD24 aftermarket.”
