Reading Buses has awarded a new contract to tyre supplier Michelin after a competitive tender process.
The latest agreement is for a five-year period. It will see the Michelin Services and Solutions division oversee the supply, fitment and management of all tyres across the operator’s 260-strong coach and bus fleet.
That will see the use of new and Remix urban bus tyres, predominantly from the X InCity range. Those products have reinforced sidewalls to protect against kerbing and other damage. Michelin will deploy tyres from the X Multi line-up to coaches and smaller single-deck buses.
Chosen by the operator is a ‘full fit’ option. It will involve Michelin technicians mounting, demounting and inspecting all built-up wheel assemblies.
Michelin will manage tyres through a multi-life policy, which will include regrooving on site once tread depth reaches 3-4mm to extend each tyre’s life in its most fuel-efficient state. After regrooved tyres have worn, they will be retreaded at the Michelin Remix site in Stoke-on-Trent to double the casing’s lifespan.
The 24 Alexander Dennis Enviro400EV battery-electric double-deckers recently ordered by Reading Buses will be delivered with Michelin X InCity EV Z tyres, which have been specifically designed for electric vehicles.
The supplier is already fitting the newly launched X InCity EV Z Remix type to drive axles of some members of Reading Buses’ existing fleet. Michelin says that those tyres are equally effective on non-zero-emission buses and have similar levels of rolling resistance, mileage and damage resistance to the new tyre.
Speaking about the decision to continue Reading Buses’ work with Michelin, Chief Engineer Tom Ranson says that while the operator went out to tender on its tyre contract, “it quickly became apparent that sticking with Michelin would be the best option.”
Adds Mr Ranson: “It is a world leader in terms of manufacturing products that stand the test of time, and the level of service that we get from everyone involved in the process is very good. The overall package works well for us and could not be matched elsewhere.”
