July 2026 Update

[Robert Williams]

Dear all,

 

Here is the latest fleet news from Reading Buses.

 

 

Reading Buses

790 transferred to Thames Valley Buses on 20 July.

220 was withdrawn following service on 17 July pending disposal, leaving only 221/223 of this type still in use with withdrawal imminent.

1211 has been sold to Notts+Derby, departing on 21 July.

 

23 returned from repaint into emerald livery (ex claret) on 29 July..

25 went away for repaint into emerald livery on 29 July. 23/24 are expected to re-enter service on 19 August, and 25 shortly after.

758 returned from repaint and refurbishment into orange livery 1 August (ex-Coronation livery), and is being prepared ready for 752/3/4/7/8 to all re-enter service on 17 August.

773 and 774 had their emerald branding removed on 7 August, and are now in base emerald livery with Reading Buses logos for interim use on school and football/festival services.

759 gained a MegaRear for Beale Park on 3 August.

 

901 remains in store pending departure for a new owner.

710-713 are still away for refurbishment.

 

 

Newbury & District

1430-1431 entered service on 23 July, and 1432 on 27 July.

Identical i6S Efficient 1433 is expected in September and will be registered YT76 AOX.

 

Two 70-seat Irizar i4 coaches with wheelchair lifts are on order for September/October, to be numbered 1434-5 and registered YT76 AOY/Z to replace 1426/7.

 

1423-5 were de-branded into base Flightline livery on 21 July, with 1423/4 gaining FlixBus vinyls for short term use on summer Flixbus services 044 and 046 from 23 July. 1425 is unbranded for use both services. 1422 remains Flightline branded.

 

Mercedes Vito KU73 XPD has been hired to provide a roadworks shuttle between Great Shefford and East Garston from 6 July until 27 August. It regained fleet number 373 for its stay as per it’s previous hire at Reading Buses, albeit not displayed on the vehicle.

 

 

Thames Valley Buses

790 transferred in from Reading Buses on 20 July gaining Thames Valley lettering on base N&D livery (ex Reading Buses route 12), returning to service on 3 August to support frequency enhancements on route 194 from that day.

 

649 went for repaint on 2 July, and returned to service on 24 July in Thames Valley yellow Bracknell livery (ex-plain white).

646 went for repaint on 26 July.

 

129, 130 remain in store for sale, and 191 stored for Dawson Rentals.

 

 

Regards,

 

Robert