February 2024 Update

[Robert Williams]

Dear all,

 

Here is the latest fleet news from the Reading Buses group of companies.

 

 

Reading Buses

Yutong E11D demonstrator YD73 FTP arrived on 12 February. It was numbered 1007 during its stay, and was returned on 1 March.

Wright Electroliner demonstrator 1006 departed as planned on 17 February.

 

437 entered service on 19 February, 439 on 5 March, 436 on 11 March. 438 is still on site pending entry.

241-7 entered service on Monday 12 February, and 248 on 20 February.

741 was delivered on 1 March. Given the delay in delivery it is now registered RG24 BUS, and awaits entry into service.

 

211-13 went into reserve on 11 February.

216-17 were withdrawn on 11 February for disposal, and a buyer has been agreed.

801 which was last used on 6 November has been withdrawn due to being beyond repair. It remains on site with 214/1205/1206 pending disposal.

 

421 went away for repaint into generic silver (orbits) on 4 March. 761/2 are still away being repainted and retrimmed.

309 went away for conversion and repaint into a training vehicle at the end of February, with modifications to 311 complete and 310 nearing completion.

 

 

Newbury & District

Plaxton Leopards 1426/27 were vinyled during February half term.

 

Irizar i6s Efficient 1428/29 were delivered on 29 February. They have 57 seats plus toilet, or 53 seats plus wheelchair, and feature our full interior specification with wood effect flooring, Wi-Fi and USB charging, plus audio visual next stop system for use on express services like Flightline 730/731 when needed. They also carry an amended N&D coach livery with grey skirt. Given the delay in delivery they have been registered ND24 NBY and ND24 NBD instead of having 73 plates.

 

 

Thames Valley Buses

738/40 entered service on 16 February, and 739 on 17 February.

781/82 were temporarily moved to Reading after service on 15 February pending retrim and return to service for frequency enhancements to Flightline 703 from 25 March.

234/35 are still in store in Reading, with buyer now agreed.

 

 

Regards,

 

Robert