Reading powers ahead with new all-electric bus fleet
6th February 2026
Reading has reached a major milestone in its move towards cleaner, greener transport with the launch of its first fully electric bus fleet.
Reading Buses has unveiled 24 new zero-emission vehicles at its Great Knollys Street depot, supported by new charging infrastructure. The buses are now in service on the busy purple 17 and claret 21 routes, connecting Tilehurst, the University of Reading and Lower Earley.
Chief Executive Robert Williams described the rollout as “a huge turning point”, noting that the new buses will cut carbon emissions while improving passenger comfort with features including air conditioning, USB charging, WiFi and enhanced accessibility. The buses can be charged overnight and run all day without changes to existing timetables.
The £14 million investment in the vehicles forms part of Reading Buses’ regular fleet renewal programme, with charging infrastructure partly funded by the Department for Transport. The operator already runs around 40% of its fleet on bio-methane gas and has eight more electric buses on order, meaning more than half of its fleet will be low or zero carbon by summer.
The launch is the latest in a series of improvements to Reading’s bus network, following the recent introduction of new audio announcements at bus stops to improve accessibility. It also comes as Reading Buses continues to be nationally recognised for excellence, having recently retained its Top Shire Operator title at the UK Bus Awards and won bronze for Bus Operator of the Year.
The new electric fleet represents another significant step in making public transport in Reading more sustainable, accessible and attractive for residents and visitors alike.
