Reading has many things going for it but one of the greatest successes must be Reading Buses. This year they are celebrating their 125th anniversary and all of that time they have remained publicly owned. They have even managed to see off Margaret Thatcher’s attempt at privatisation (sorry, I mean, Bus Deregulation) which is no mean feat.
Yesterday they took over Broad Street with a selection of historic buses from over the years. It should be said that only two of the buses were actually owned by Reading Buses themselves, with the remainder being owned and preserved privately. By the time we left town at lunchtime the place was crowded with two groups of people: families with children and bus enthusiasts both wanting to climb aboard these beautiful machines.
Reading Buses also had a small merchandise stall selling the usual array of mugs and pens, plus a small selection of tote bags in some of the colours of their routes (when they have one in the claret colour of my route, I will snap one up!). They also had on sale a very glossy book detailing all the buses and trams from over the 125 years. At £25 this was clearly aimed at one particular demographic and was selling like hot cakes. And, no, I didn’t buy one – I’m not that much of a bus nerd!
It was great to see a local success getting so much support. Here’s to the next 125 years.
