Reading Buses has unveiled rebranded compressed natural gas buses (CNG) for use on its recently extended Buzz 9 route.
The Alexander Dennis Enviro 300s have been repainted for the Buzz brand, which since last month is being used for routes in the town that are financially support by the council and government.
By means of funding from Reading Borough Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan, the former “route 9”, which ran from Central Reading to Whitley Wood, now goes on to the town’s Green Park station.
The buses feature refurbished interiors with coffee shop style flooring and USB charging sockets.
More than a third of Reading Buses’ fleet operates on CNG, which produces less emissions than diesel.
Robert Williams, Reading Buses Chief Executive Officer, says: “We are delighted to be working in partnership to deliver these improvements and using that as an opportunity to expand our low carbon biomethane fleet by nearly 10% this year.
“Buzz 9 is the first bus route to serve the new Green Park Station and will help connect the station with Green Park itself, Whitley Wood, the University of Reading, the Royal Berkshire Hospital and, of course, Reading town centre. We hope the new branding, buses, route and timetable will encourage more people to use this service.”
Councillor John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, adds: “The council worked with Network Rail and Great Western Railway to open the new Green Park Station in May 2023 and I am pleased we are now partnering with Reading Buses to offer improved connections to and from the station with this new bus route.
“The newly branded Buzz 9 service will connect south Reading residents with Green Park Station six days a week.
“This new route is part of the council’s ongoing commitment to offer more convenient and sustainable ways for residents and visitors to travel around Reading.”
