Curves, Comfort & Charging: Meet the Enviro400 City Fleet on Jet Black 1

Well, Reading Buses has done it again. At the start of the month, the trusty Jet Black 1 route has gone from everyday commuter to bona fide luxury liner, thanks to a fleet of brand-new Alexander Dennis Enviro400 City buses that scream "first-class travel."

Reading Buses

Imagine this: high-backed seats so plush you’ll think you’re in a private jet. Legroom that actually accommodates legs. Oh and charging? It’s everywhere. USB, USB C and wireless charging pads mean your devices won’t just survive the trip—they’ll thrive.

Need to work? Sorted. There are tables. Feeling the summer heat? Fear not. The upstairs air-chill system has got you covered, while tinted windows and a skylight bring just the right mix of shade and natural light. And when the sun sets, you’ll cruise in style with mood lighting that wouldn’t look out of place in a trendy cocktail bar.

It doesn’t stop there. The buses on the Lion 4, London Line 702 and Flightline 703 have already impressed passengers with similar upgrades and now Jet Black 1 joins the party. Seven shiny new double-deckers are rolling out as we speak. Familiar? Yes. But better in every possible way.

Reading Buses

Reading Buses

Reading Buses

Robert Williams, CEO of Reading Buses, had this to say:

"We are delighted to be able to put these new buses into service on the jet black 1.

"They represent a step-change in comfort for our customers and the culmination of our significant investment in our longer distance routes."

Councillor John Ennis had this to say:

"I am very pleased to see the launch of two fleets of brand new buses and an upgrade of buses travelling through West Berkshire.

"I welcome the opportunity for residents in West Berkshire to use the new and upgraded buses and to increase bus use in the West Berkshire and Reading areas.

"It is good to see partnership working between West Berkshire and Reading in the promotion of using buses."

Newbury Gets in on the Action

Oh, and it’s not just Jet Black 1 stealing the spotlight. Newbury & District routes are also getting a glow-up with brand-new Alexander Dennis Enviro200 single-decker buses. High-back seats and USB charging ports will keep you comfy and connected, while bold new branding ensures these buses are impossible to miss.

Mr Williams said:

"The new buses for Newbury & District are head and shoulders above the current buses and customers will instantly see, and feel, the difference when travelling on board.

"These buses are custom-built for Newbury, covering busy town routes and deeply rural areas interchangeably, and will boast a brand new look as well – to bring a more polished and striking look to the network."

The new Newbury & District buses will be operational from the 9th of December 2024.

All of the buses have been built in Britain by Alexander Dennis in a combined £4m investment from Reading Buses. So, whether you’re jetting down the Jet Black 1 or catching a ride in Newbury, keep your eyes peeled. The future of bus travel has arrived—and it’s looking rather stylish.