Reading Buses & their electric bus journey, also a visit to Reading Buses

When: 18 May 2026, 18:15 - 19:30

Where: Reading Buses, Great Knollys Street, Reading, RG1 7HH

Speaker: Robert Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Reading Buses

The Thames Valley Group are delighted to have secured a visit to Reading Buses.

***As safety is paramount as visiting a working transport operation, delegates are requested to bring a high-viz coat/jacket where possible***

Reading Buses started on their electric bus journey in 2025, and during the visit Robert will share Reading buses experiences and learning thus far. Currently they have eight further buses on order to complement the current fleet of 24 Alexander Dennis Enviro 400EVs zero-emission buses and 17 chargers.

The plan is that the additional buses will operate on the yellow 26 route which runs between the town centre and Calcot via Southcote, Ford’s Farm and Beansheaf following the successful introduction on core east-west purple 17 route between Tilehurst and Wokingham Road, and claret 21 between the town centre and Lower Earley via Reading University.

Reading Buses are celebrating their 125th anniversary in 2026, having been formed on 31 October 1901 to electrify the town’s horse-drawn tramway. Yes, there’s a lot of history but they’re committed to providing a quality bus service with a strong focus on customer service and innovation. Along with its owners, Reading Borough Council (RBC), they’re successfully reducing car dependency for access to the area, both for visitors and residents.

It is this approach which has made Reading Buses a success story. The fleet of 180 buses is very environmentally-friendly and includes 75 gas buses, and all the diesel fleet meets or has been upgraded to meet Euro VI standards, dramatically improving the air quality for all Reading’s people too. With free WiFi & many USB charging points available they are making sure customers can stay connected too!

In recent years Reading Buses have expanded their operations across Berkshire and have two sister bus companies called Newbury & District and Thames Valley Buses who run a further 31 and 55 buses and coaches respectively. Thames Valley Bodyworks also offers third party vehicle body repairs.

Reading Buses has one of the most modern fleets of single and double deck buses in the country.

Maintenance is carried out by Reading Buses’ own team of skilled engineers at their premises in Great Knollys Street. This allows them to both maintain the highest quality standards and to ensure vehicles are on the road, not awaiting repair or checks.

Bookings for Members - FREE & Non-Members - £5.00 inc VAT

Competencies:

• PAS1.2 Modes, Modal Choice and Transport Integration
• PAS2.3 Access, Inclusion and Sustainability through Transport
• SUS1.1 Social, Economic and Environmental Resilience

Note: If you are not a current Member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, please be aware our membership team may be in touch with you using your email address provided regards membership opportunities. If you do not wish to be contacted please email and let us know at [email protected]

Regards

Communities Team

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