World’s first for Reading Buses

Reading Buses has confirmed its inaugural order worth £1.3 million for five Scania double deck buses powered by Compressed Natural Gas from a bio-methane source - a world first.

Reading Buses currently operate a fleet of 34 single deck Scania gas buses. Scania’s new N280UD model builds upon the success of its single deck variant, adopted by Reading Buses in 2013.

The five new double deck buses will be purchased without the assistance of any government grant funding, demonstrating that the fuel has proven both cost viable and reliable for the operator.

Said John Bickerton, Reading Buses chief engineer: “Our gas buses are consistently high performers in terms of both reliability and customer appeal with considerably quieter and greener engines than conventional diesel vehicles.

“We were the first UK operator of Scania’s gas single deck buses and our experience of these has proven the economic case to add more such vehicles within our existing depot infrastructure and come back three years later with yet another major order that is again a ‘first’ for gas buses.”

Martijn Gilbert, chief executive officer, added: “We are very excited about being the launch customer for Scania’s new double deck gas product and the leading edge environmental credentials that these buses will bring to our town and customers.

“We are continuing to work tirelessly with our industry partners to provide innovative solutions to keeping our town moving, improving air quality and enhancing the traveling experience for our customers. I am confident the pioneering new buses will take all these factors to even greater heights and continue our work to embody the bus as the very best way to get around Reading.”