Latest journals available to members:
January 2021 Trolleybus + Wheels + Bus Fare
For a modest extra cost BTS members can receive Bus Fare in addition to Trolleybus Magazine, which contains news and articles on road passenger transport from the Thames and Kennet areas.
Subscribed members of the British Trolleybus Society can download the latest copy by logging in to your member area.
January's edition of Bus Fare includes updates on Reading school buses during Autumn 2020. It also contains comprehensive reports on bus services over the recent Christmas and New Year period, plus all of the usual fleet news. There is also a report on the funeral - in December - of the late John Whitehead.
December's edition of Bus Fare includes a fleetlist of Stewarts, Woodley (accurate to August 2020), as well as a list of the full fleet of 34 new B11R Plaxton Panorama double deck coaches for the Oxford Tube, which entered service in November.
We also have news of additional stops being added to the Reading Railair service, and of Oxford's funding bid, to make Oxford the UK's first all-electric bus city.
Plus all of the usual fleet and service news from the Thames Valley.
This month, we feature some of the former Reading Wright Solars, which are still giving good service in other parts of the country. This includes a number of examples which are now plying their trade with Midland Classic, in Burton-upon-Trent. There is also a photo of another example of these buses taken in 2008, when serving South Reading; this bus is now with Connexions Buses of York.
In addition, we also bring you all of the latest news of bus fleets and services in the Thames Valley.
With the recent centenary of the formation of the Thames Valley Traction Company, Enviro400 1209 has been painted with special lettering, to mark this anniversary. Page 3 of Bus Fare has a photo of this bus, along with preserved Bristol K6a 446, which is a mere 74 years old.
Moving away from the Thames Valley for once, we have a feature on some former Reading Optare Spectras, which are now in daily service with Bristol-based independent operator Abus, on route 349 between Bristol and Keynsham.
With Reading's order for new buses cancelled, Emerald buses are to receive Green Line lettering on their existing two-tone green livery. The first to be treated - 760 (YY15 OYB) - features on the front cover of this months edition of Bus Fare.
Also this month, we have photos of a couple of the new Wright Streetdecks, which entered service with Oxford Bus and Thames Travel during August.
Plus, we bring you updates from Oxford, along with all of the usual fleet news.
Maidenhead features in August's issue of Bus Fare, with an update on local services by Bob Westaway. We have all the usual Fleet News from around the Thames Valley, as local operators continue to adapt to the latest lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.
And we have news of the "Bracknell Express" service 99, which commenced a service to Heathrow Airport on Wednesday 15th July, and which had suspended operation "due to issues beyond our control" just 10 days later.
July's edition of Bus Fare has very much of a "Buses start to return to normal" theme (whatever the "new normal" will be); there is news of the ramping up of services in the Thames Valley from June 15th, which came hand-in-hand with the compulsory use of face coverings on public transport. With High Street retailers re-opening, and people starting to return to work, the demand for public transport has increased, although the ongoing need for social distancing has led to duplicate services operating, due to restricted seating on buses. On top of this, we bring you up-to-speed with fleet and service changes throughout the Thames Valley.
Once again, the "lockdown" and the impact upon local bus services, dominates this issue of Bus Fare. This includes some recent photos of Reading Buses, and also updates on both bus service levels and bus fleets throughout the Thames Valley. On a more positive note, we also bring news of Reading's Optare Excels, 35 of which were exported to New Zealand between 2005 and 2007, some of which are still working.
As the lockdown continues, much of May's edition of Bus Fare is given over to news of service reductions across Reading and the Thames Valley, along with details of vehicles being put into reserve. Also, with the closure of schools, Reading Buses' former Blackpool Tridents have been withdrawn from service; we have pictures from their final days of service.
BTS SALES At this time of year we would usually be raising money for the preservation and restoration of our historic trolleybuses through our sales stall at meetings and at events at Sandtoft and elsewhere. We now have a good selection of books (including Glasgow Trolleybuses) available via the BTS website, so why not have a look and see what's available? All the profits go towards our trolleybuses, so you can grab a good book and help the Society at the same time!
We have a bumper issue of Bus Fare this month, to mark issue number 600. Dave Hall has written an article, telling the history of this publication, and its development over the last 50 years. We also have a selection of photographs of buses featuring the number 600 in their registration, and others on route number 600.
Obviously, the big news at the moment is the Coronavirus pandemic; Bus Fare has comprehensive news of service changes throughout the Thames Valley which have been brought about as a result of the current lockdown.
"Little Berries" is the new branding for Reading Bus routes 27 and 29, which link Central Reading with Amersham Road, replacing the Lower Caversham Shuttle. You can read more about this in the March edition of Bus Fare, which is now available. Also this month, Horseman Coaches have put their first "wheelchair-accessible" coaches into service. We also have updates from Slough and Newbury, along with all of the usual fleet and service news from the Thames Valley.
In this month’s edition of Bus Fare, we bring news of investment of £5m in new buses for Basingstoke, along with service improvements. From Reading, there is news of service changes, in order to serve new housing developments around Spencer’s Wood. There is also news from High Wycombe, along with all of the usual fleet and service news from around the Thames Valley.
On December 6th 2019, Reading Transport marked the centenary of motorbus operation in Reading, with a recreation of the inaugural service between Caversham Heights and Tilehurst Triangle. This month's edition of Bus Fare has a report on this event, and also on the following Sunday's running day, which featured five Reading buses (one of which was AEC Regent number 47, itself 80 years old).
There is also comprehensive coverage of services in the Thames Valley over the recent Christmas and New Year period, along with the usual Fleet News.
In December's Bus Fare, there is news of the new bus links to Heathrow Airport, and also of the new National Express service 787, from Reading, serving Heathrow, Hemel Hempstead, Luton Airport and Cambridge.
Reading Transport are trialling 2 electric powered demonstrator buses, and there are photos of these in use during November.
"The Way it Was" on the rear page features a Reading Transport bus, decorated for Christmas in 1995.
Plus, we bring you plenty of Fleet News from operators in the Thames Valley.
November's issue of Bus Fare has photographs of some of the buses used during October's open days at Reading University, and also news of new buses and new liveries for Thames Valley buses (including 3 new single deckers for Slough).
We also have photos of a Reading Bus making a return visit to its former stomping ground of Torquay, during a rally held in August.
There is also news of a staff service - for employees of IQVIA - which runs from Chatham Street car park in Reading.
In this month's edition of Bus Fare, there are photographs from Oxford Bus Museum's "Open Doors" event in Oxford City Centre during September. Another September event was the Royal County of Berkshire Show, and there are photos of some of the buses used to provide a shuttle service to the show. There is also the usual selection of local news, including the plans for Courtney Buses to combined with Thames Valley Buses, and also of the withdrawal of Oxford Bus' coach route X90 to London.
September's issue of Bus Fare brings news of new coaches for Oxford's Airline routes. We also have news of Reading school services being renumbered back to "old" numbers, as used in the 80s and 90s. With the recent Reading Festival, there is a report on the Shuttle Services provided for festival goers. Plus all of the usual fleet news, and back page nostalgia.
The recent acquisition of Courtney Coaches by Reading Transport results in a couple of news items in this month's edition of Bus Fare. Firstly, there is news of some Newbury & District vehicles being loaned to Courtney; and there is also a provisional list of fleet numbers allocated to the Courtney fleet.
We also have features on First Berkshire commencing the Guildford Railair service, and news of new coaches for the Woking Railair service.
In the July edition of Bus Fare, we have a report from the recent Running Day at Didcot, which took place on June 2nd. There is also news of another event - the MCW Metrobus 40th Anniversary Event at Wythall, which was attended by Reading 162 (WRD 162T).
We also have the usual Fleet News, and accompanying photographs.
The rear page "The Way It Was" features a couple of Reading coach-seated Optares, which by 2001 had been relegated to local contract work.
In the latest edition of Bus Fare, there is an update on Arriva's High Wycombe fleet. We also have a photograph of one of Oxford Bus Company's refreshed Sightseeing fleet.
On the back page, our "Way it Was" feature takes us back to1994, when Newbury had a more regular coach link to London.
In the May edition of Bus Fare, we have an update on former Reading Transport Optare Spectra 703 (K703 BBL), which is still in daily service in Cyprus. We also have news that Reading Transport are to launch a new Railair service between Guildford and Heathrow Airport. On the back page, "The Way It Was" features a photograph taken in Maidenhead in 2001.
The main news story is month is that Reading Transport have agreed terms to acquire Courtney Buses, including Courtney Bodyworks. Also, with the Reading half-marathon taking place during March, we have coverage of some of the services provided in support of this event. Our back page feature - "The Way it Was" - takes us back to 2007, and a view of Broad Street in Wokingham.
As elsewhere in the country, snow fell in the Thames Valley on 1st February, and we have news of how this affected Reading's bus services in this month's edition of Bus Fare. Also in this edition, there is a report on how Reading Transport and Newbury & District provided rail replacement buses for the major engineering works on the Brighton line during half-term. Plus all of the usual news of fleets, routes, and traffic / infrastructure from the Thames Valley.
News in February's Bus Fare includes the refreshing of Reading Railair, with First Berkshire introducing 9 new Scania coaches. Meanwhile in Slough, we have news of Stewarts Coaches commencing a new business park shuttle. There is an article on Oxford Bus Museum's running day, which took place on New Year's Day. And the "back page nostalgia" looks back to the Railair Links (both Reading and Woking) in the 1990s.
The opening of Newbury's new bus station at Newbury Wharf is the lead story in this month's Bus Fare, which also features photographs from Basingstoke and Newbury. There is also a detailed report on alterations to bus services over the recent festive period. On the back page, there is a photo of a mysterious Chiltern Queens coach, taken in Wallingford 20 years ago.
In this month's edition of Bus Fare, there are pictures from the 50th anniversary of the closure of Reading's trolleybus system; the visit of number 144 to the town; and AEC Regent number 3, which provided trips around the town.There are also photos of how local bus operators marked Armistice Day, as well as news of the return of a unique MAN double-decker to Berkshire.
Newbury features heavily in November's edition of Bus Fare, as we have news of the new bus station taking shape
There are photos of new arrivals at both Oxford Bus and Thames Travel.
The rear page feature "The Way is Was" is a look back 50 years, to 3rd November 1968, and the last Reading Trolleybus (number 144), crossing Duke Street bridge, on its fnal trip back to Mill Lane.
In the October issue of Bus Fare, there is news of Reading Transport acquiring Newbury & District from Weavaway, and of Stewarts Coaches joining the National Express Group. There is also a feature on the former Reading Scanias which are now in use on sightseeing tours in Malta.
In the September issue of Bus Fare, we bring you news of Courtney Buses loaning 3 double deckers from Reading Transport, to provide additional capacity on their Legoland Windsor shuttle. Also, there is an update from High Wycombe, and coverage of Carousel Buses launching their "Chiltern Hundreds" brand. The back page nostalgia takes us back to Staines in 1992, and we have all the usual Fleet News.
August's edition of Bus Fare brings news of Reading Transport trialling an electric bus, while First Berkshire are trialling a pair of double-deckers on the X74 (Slough - High Wycombe) route. There is also a bizarre story of how England's run to the semi-final of the World Cup resulted in traffic chaos in the centre of Reading, meaning that buses had to be re-routed!!
As part of the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the closure of Reading's Trolleybus system, Reading Sunbeam S7 Trolleybus number 181 was recently displayed outside Reading Station, during the Running Day on 3rd June. The front cover of July's Bus Fare shows 181, in company with AEC Regent number 47. This issue of Bus Fare includes 4 pages of colour pictures from the running day, including shots of AEC Regent numbers 4 and 98, Dennis Loline number 76 and Bristol VR number 38. Preserved Thames Valley and Aldershot & District buses are also well represented.
We also have the usual fleet news from around the Thames Valley area.
Finally, our nostalgic back-page features another Sunbeam S7 Trolleybus, with number 173 pictured at the Liverpool Road terminus in 1965.
The June edition of Bus Fare is now available for members to view or download. The printed edition will be dropping through letter boxes next week.
This month, there is news of Reading Transport's extension to Heathrow, and also of Reading Transport's new large scale marketing campaign. The magazine also has somewhat of a "Royal flavour", with various photographs of buses which were decorated for the recent royal wedding; on a related theme, "The Way it Was" looks back to a bus which was similarly regaled, to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee in 2002.
The May edition of Bus Fare features Reading Transport's commencement of the operation of route 7, from Reading to Fleet. We also have news of another demonstrator bus, being used by First Berkshire on the Heathrow Railair service. Once again, rail replacement buses have been in operation, as the Great Western Railway prepares for electrification; we have the latest news on the rail replacment buses which have been in recent use. Plus all of the usual fleet news from the Thames Valley area.
Plenty of variety on Reading route 22 is illustrated in the April edition of Bus Fare. Also, news of some more new demonstrators being evaluated on the Green Line routes. "The Way it Was" on the back page shows another Goldline excursion, this time to Blackbushe Market in 1990.
There is news in March's Bus Fare of Reading Transport extending out of Berkshire, as it takes over from Stagecoach the operation of route 7 between Reading and Fleet. We also have a photograph of a former Reading Transport bus (YN57 FXB), now resident in Malta. "Off the Rails" looks at some future rail replacement bus operations, as the line from Reading to Newbury is prepared for electrification. And "The Way It Was" displays a photograph of Gold Line bus number 80, preparing to leave St Mary's Butts for Brighton and Eastbourne, back in 1986.
In this month's issue of Bus Fare, there is news of the revival of the "Thames Valley" name, with Slough Borough Council awarding a short-term contract for Reading Transport to operate replacement services, following withdrawal of local services by First Berkshire; these are operating under the "Thames Valley" brand name. We also have details of the new Enviro 400Citys, which have entered service on Reading's route 17 in January. The back-page nostalgia shows 2 Alder Valley VRs departing Reading, via different routes to Aldershot.
This month brings news of new gas-powered double deckers entering serivce on Reading's flagship Route 17 - these are the first dual-door buses in a generation. Also, we have coverage of Reading Transport taking over Green Line route 702, while cuts deepen at First Berkshire. There is also extensive news concerning bus services in Reading and the Thames Valley over the Christmas and New Year period.
December's edition of Bus Fare brings news of Reading Transport making a return to London. Also from Reading, we see pictures of the sky blue fleet beginning to emerge, and of a couple of former Reading Scania Olympuses being prepared for export to Malta. Plus all the usual local fleet news from the Thames Valley area.
In the November issue of Bus Fare, we have news of the reopening of Westgate, and how it has prompted bus improvements in Oxford. Meanwhile, in Reading, could we be seeing the start of another minibus revolution? There is also news of Caversham's bus routes being under review again, and a book review of Kemps and Chiltern Queens.
This month's edition of Bus Fare brings news of White Bus, and its expansion into Surrey, with services around the Staines and Woking area. Also, Courtney Buses celebrate the regeneration of Bracknell with new buses. Plus the usual fleet news and service news from the Thames Valley area.
In September's Bus Fare, there is news of new colour-coded route branding for Slough, and of some new vehicles serving High Wycombe. Also, we have coverage of the additional services provided for last month's Reading Festival. A bit of nostalgia on the back page, with a photo of buses preparing to leave Reading on an excursion to Bournemouth, back in 1983.
In this month’s edition of Bus Fare, there is news of 3 Double Deck buses being hired from Reading Transport, to provide additional capacity on the service from Windsor to Legoland during the summer holidays. Also, we have the unusual sight of an open-top Double Decker being used on route 17 on some warm days in July. Plus service changes galore!
In the July edition of Bus Fare, there is news of Reading Transport's new open-top Dennis Trident, acquired from Lothian Buses. Also, news of a proposal to create a London-style "red route" no stopping restriction along the line of route 17. Add looking back 30 years to 1987, there are photos of the short-lived X60 coach service between Reading and Bristol.
June 2017In Bus Fare this month, we have news of Reading Transport's launch of the "Jet Set". There is also news of the Staines running day on 21st May, and also of past and present coach routes from Reading to the Irish Republic. And how many coaches took Reading supporters to Wembley for the Play-Off Final?
May 2017This months issue looks at the whereabouts of former Reading Buses Streetlites 151 to 156, which are now in service elsewhere. Brian Boddy tells of his experience of travelling cross country between Calne and Reading using his bus pass. There is news of competition between Reading Buses and Weavaway Travel for passengers on the Newbury to Thatcham route plus the usual comprehensive round-up of news from operatorsin and around the Kennet and Thames Valley areas.
April 2017
A comprehensive roundup of news from around the Kennet & Thames Valley areas is included this month, including details of strike action at Oxford Buses. There is also a report on Courtney Buses new route to Luton Airport.
March 2017There is a report on the industrial action taken by Oxford Bus Company drivers, a photspread of Streetdecks on the streets of Oxford, news of a new bus link from Berkshire to Luton Airport plus the usual comprehensive roundup of news ffrom around the Kennet and Thames Valley areas.
February 2017The Vodaphone fleet at Newbury is being refreshed and there is a report on the first phase.
The world's first modern gas double-deck motorbuses have entered service with Reading Buses. There is a report on their entry into service along with other vehicles that have joined the fleet since the start of 2017.
The usual comprehensive round-up of news on operators in the Kennet and Thames Valley areas is also included.
January 2017There is a review of the bus services over the festive period in the Reading and Oxford areas.
On 31 December 2016 Mortons Coaches held a 'step entrance bus running day' to mark the last day that step entrance buses could be used on normal bus service work. There is a report on thsi event.
The usual fleet news from around the Kennet & Thames Valley areas is also included
December 2016This months issue gives an update on bus operations in the High Wycome area. There is also a review of the Megadecker bus on trial with Reading Buses, plus the usual comprehensive fleet and service news from around the Kennet & Thames Valley areas.
November 2016This month includes news on bus developments in Oxford, another London demonstrator visits Reading, Royal blue goes white temporarily plus fleet and service news from around the Kennet & Thames Valley Areas.
October 2016This moth we take a look at Woodley's juicy new buses!
The new Newbury Kennections serviceis launched and Kennet Bus also returns.
In Slough, First Berkshire revamped their Berkshire bus network and full details are included.
The usual roundup of transport news from the Kennet & Thames Valley areas is also included.
September 2016Arriva MAX up their Wycombe- Reading routes
Changes galore at Reading Buses
Newbury Buses to be rebranded.
Fleet news from around the Kennet & Thames Valleys
August 2016Mortons Travel are introducing a new bus service between Baughurst and Reading from 1st September 2016. Full details in this issue.
Carousel Buses also commenced their new X80 service between High Wycombe and Reading on 25 July 2016 and again full details are given.
There are details of Reading Buses new summer theme park service which commenced from 23rd July 2016 and operates to Legoland and Thorpe Park.
The usual comprehensive fleet news from the Kennet & Thames Valley areas is also included.
July 2016Roadworks are disrupting bus services in Reading and full details are given this month.
There is a brief look at services in both Basingstoke and Henley.
The usual full round up of news from around the Kennet & Thames Valley bus operating areas is also included.
June 2016
Derek Lucas pays tribute to Royston Clifford Jenkins, a former Transport Manager of Reading Buses, who sadly passed away in March 2016.
There are details of the Oxfordshire bus changes following the withdrawal of financial support for all bus services by Oxfordsshire County Council.
Photos of the running day held in Statines in May 2016 are featured together with a roundup of news from Operator's in the Kennet & Thames Valley areas.
May 2016In this months edition you can read all about Reading Transport's order for the worlds first gas double deck buses. There is also a review of the latest double deck buses entering service in the Weavaway fleet. You can read about the competition between Courtney and First for the service to Legoland. Details are given on West Berkshire Council's decision to reduce bus subsidies and the effect it will have on services plus there is the usual roundup of news from Operators in the Kennet and Thames Valley areas
April 2016This month there is news about Oxfordshire County Council withdrawing all financial support for bus services, details of a new sightseeing tour in Oxford, a look at Oxfords current fleet plus the full roundup of news from the Kennet and Thames Valley areas.
March 2016Reading Buses was the first operator to test the new Optare Metrodecker and details are included.
There is a fleet list for Arriva the Shires High Wycombe.
The Handy Cross Coachway and Park & Ride (located by junction 4 of the M40) was opened on Monday 1 February 2016 and a photographic feature is included.
There is the usual comprehensive round up of news from the Kennet & Thames Valley areas.
February 2016Oxford considers a Zero Emission Zone from 2020 and details of this are recorded.
There is a report on the additional Streetlight buses now operating in High Wycombe.
An update is given on buses now operating in the Bracknell area as well as a comprehensive round up of news from the Kennet & Thames Valley areas.
January 2016There is a report on the Newbury Running Day held on 1 January 2016 featuring preserved vehicles.
There are details of the various operators amended services for the 2015 festive season as well as a record of all the rail replacement vehicles over the same period.
The usual comprehensive round up of news from operators in the Kennet & Thames Valley areas is also included
Reading Buses School fleet takes shape with the Silver Stars branding. Details included in this issue.
There is a report on Reading Buses success in being awarded UK Bus Operator Of The Year for 2015.
There is an update on bus operations in the Slough area.
The usual comprehensive round up of news of operators in the Kennet & Thames Valley is also included.
November 2015There is a review of the Reading Buses tender specification for 40 new buses to be delivered between 2016 and 2018.
New buses recently entered service in High Wycombe and there is a report on these.
The usual comprehensive round up of news from the Kennet & Thames Valley areas is also included.
October 2015
Reading Buses Claret Splitzer, something unusual is bubbling!
A Heritage Running Day held in Oxford on 12 September 2015 and there is a report on this event.
There is news of Thames Travel's new Connector brand of routes in the Didcot area
The usual comprehensive roundup of news from bus operators around the Thames & Kennet Valley areas is also included.
September 2015This month is a bumper 16 page issue and reports on the very successful Thames Valley 100 event.
Also included is a feature on the new Routemaster which was on loan to Reading Buses for two weeks and which was put into service on Route 17.
Reading Buses new "Lion" service to Bracknell roared into action on 31 August and there is information on this.
The usual comprehensive fleet news from bus operators in the Kennet & Thames Valley areas is also included.
August 2015There is news regarding Reading Buses taking over from First Group on the Reading, Wokinham and Bracknell service from Sunday 26 July 2015.
There has also been a reorganisation of the local services in Bracknell following the closure of First's Bracknell depot, operations having being taken over by Courtney Coaches. Full details included.
Also included is the usual comprehensive round up of news from bus operators in the Kennet & Thames Valley areas.
July 2015All change in Bracknell as First Group are ousted from local services in favour of Courtney Coaches whilst Reading Buses take over the Reading Bracknell route. Full details in this issue.
There is news of a Thames Valley 100 event to be held on 2 August 2015
The usual comprehensive round up of news from operators in the Kennet & Thames Valley areas is also included.
June 2015
Reading Buses have launched their new Emerald Route with 15 brand new Dennis Enviro 400s. Full details are included.
There is a review of the Oxfordshire bus service changes introduced on 1 June 2015.
The usual comprehensive roundup of news on Operators in the Thames & Kennet Area is also included.
May 2015This month looks into the announcement by Reading Buses that they would attempt to set a world record for the fastest normal service bus!
There is a comprehensive review of Rail replacement bus services that operated in the area over the Easter bank holiday.
News from fleets around the Kennet and Thames Valley is also included.
April 2015In this months issue we look at new arrivals in the Horseman Coach fleet, the case of mistaken identity in the Oxford Bus coach fleet, details of a new National Express route, and news of Oxford Councils consideration of introducing battery electric vehicles for their park and ride services. News from the Kennet & Thames Valleys bus operators is also included.
March 2015In this months issue we look at the use of Enviro 200s in use with First Berkshire, the re-wrapping of Newburys Vodaphone buses, Reading Buses 'Planet Reading' green initiative, Horseman Coaches bus routes and we also take a look at the new Didcot Rail station interchange. The usual comprehensive news section on bus operations in the Kennet & Thames Valley areas is also included.
February 2015Bus service changes across Hampshire were implemented from 5 January 2015 and there is a report on the effects of those changes.
There is a review of the service provided by Reading Buses when the Reading to Reading West train service was suspended between 27 December 2014 and 3 January 2015 due to engineering works.
The usual comprehensive news on bus operators in the Kennet and Thames Valley areas is also included.
January 2015
A number of service changes were implemented across Hampshire as a result of Hampshire County Council's review of all local bus service contracts due to ongoing budget restraints. A report on those changes are contained in this issue.
There is a report on the Christmas and New Year Bus Sevices in the Region.
Comprehensive fleet news on operators in the Kennet and Thames Valley areas is also included.
December 2014
This issue looks back at the year 2014 and recalls all the major happening in the various fleets in the Kennet & Thames Valey area.
The usual comprehensive fleet news is also included.
November 2014
Reading Buses 8 new Enviro 400 buses hit the road and full details of these vehicles are given.
There are photos of First Berkshire Buses special liveries commemorating 100 years sice the outbreak of World War One.
A Truemans Coavhes fleet list is included.
The latest events in the Kennet & Thames Valley areas are also recorded.
October 2014
There is a report on the first production batch of Alexander Enviro 400 buses entering service with Oxford Buses.
Alexander Dennis loaned 3 demonstration vehicles to Reading Buses as new Enviro 400 buses due for delivery had been delayed. A review of these vehicles is included this month.
There is a report on Courtney Buses new 'Coffee & Mint' Optare Versa diesel-electric battery hybrid buses which recently entered service
The usual comprehensive round-up of news from the Kennet & Thames Valley areas is also included.
September 2014
First Group route 190 was split into two routes between Bracknell and Wokingham and the details are recorded in this months issue.
There is a report on the special bus services operated for the Reading Rock Festival over the August bank holiday.
Details are included on the revised Reading Buses timetables introduced from 1 September 2014.
The ususal roundup of bus news from the Kennet & Thames Valley areas are also included.
Reading Buses operate in Glasgow (For Commonwealth Games)
There is a look at the new buses operating on The Oxford Tube
Details of First Groups increase in frequencies in Bracknell
There is also the usual comprehensive news round-up of bus operations in the Kennet & Thames Valley areas
This month we look at the new Leopard route operated by Reading Buses and review the service changes by Reading Buses commencing 7 July 2014. There is a colour photo supplement looking back at Reading Mainline 20 years after operations ceased and there is the usual comprehensice roundup of news from both the Kennet & Thames Valley areas.
There is news of Thames Valley area bus operators launching ADL's new double decker bus.
Reading Buses technology for enhancing the passenger experience is reviewed.
Reading Buses Claret routes will be revised from Monday 7 July. A full review is given.
The cats out of the bag. Find out about the Leopard Buses about to enter service with Reading Buses!
The usual comprehensive round up of news is also included
Reading Buses In Malta! Following problems with the new network of services introduced in July 2011, a former Reading bus is now operating there in its Vodaphone red livery complete with Reading leagal lettering. Full details included this month.
There is an update on Arriva bus operations in High Wycombe.
Thames Travel are pulling out of operating bus services in Wokingham and there is a report of what the replacement services will be.
The usual comprehensive round of of bus operations in the Kennet & Thames Valley areas is also included.
Reading Buses has launched some new service under the Lime brand name and full details are given as well as news of ta forthcoming reorganisation of the Lower Early routes.
There are details of the High Wycombe bus service changes from 27 April 2014.
Oxford Buses have taken on the operation of a long term rail replacement service between Oxford and Bicester.
A full comprehensive roundup of news in the Kennet & Thames Valley areas is also included.
Reading Buses have recently exchanged their five Steetlite buses for five more of slightly different design. The full story is included in this edition!
There are details of the 14 new gas powered buses currently being delivered to Reading Buses.
Coutrney have recently taken over the Bracknell routes from Thames Travel and there are details of their three new buses.
The usual comprehensive roundup of news in the Thames & Kennet Valleys is also included.
Details are given on the 14 Alexander Dennis Enviros which have been placed on loan to Oxford Bus by Go South Coast in preparation for the introduction of the Oxford LEZ from 1 January 2014.
There is news of a Gas Enviro 300SG demonstrator which was on loan to Reading Buses in December 2013.
There is a review on Thames Travel ceasing their operations in Bracknell.
Details of the bus service improvments in the Windsor and Maidenhead are summarised.
The usual comprehensive round up of news from bus operators in the Thames & Kennet Valley area is also included.
Oxford's new 'Interdeck' cxoaches entered service in December 2013 and there is a report on these vehicles.
There is also a review of the Christmas services operated by the various operators in the Greater Reading area.
A full round up of bus news in the Kennet and Thames Valley areas is also included.
Details are given of Thames Travel's service changes which came into effect on 8 December 2013.
Andrew Barton reports on recent rail replacement services in the area.
Local Operators win more awards and a summary of those are given.
There is also a look back at 'Life After Reading Transport' where details are given about buses that went for further service.
The usual comprehensive round up of news in the Kennet & Thames Valley areas is also included.
There is news on the Oxford Low Emission Zone to be introduced
Details are given on First Berkshire's new Enviro 200s and also two new routes to be introduced from
23 November 2013.
Reading Buses have taken delivery of 4 Enviro 200s and details are also given on the fares restructuring intorduced in early October.
The National Transport Awards ceremony took place recently and Reading Buses won Bus Operator Of The Year for 2013. There is a report and these awards plus other awards won at the RouteONE Operator Excellence Awards
Wokingham Borough Council announce a new Park & Ride strategy and details are included in this issue.
There is a brief overview of services operated by Redline Buses in the Aylesbury area.
The Traffic & Infrastructure records the various diversions and problems caused by roadworks around the greater Reading area.
The usual comprehensive fleet news of operators in the Kennet & Thames Valley areas is also included.
Reading Borough Council undertook their annual road resurfacing programme during the school summer holidays which caused some disruption to the local bus services. A full report is included.
Full details are given of the special coach services operated by National Express to the Reading Rock Festival as well as a number of other big events in the greater Reading area.
The usual comprehensive round up of news from the Kennet and Thames Valley areas is also included.
Oxford Bus has relaunched buses between Abingdon, Oxford and the John Radcliffe Hospital under the 'Heartbeat' brand name. Full details are given.
Details are also given as arriva launches an Aylesbury to Oxford Sapphire route 280.
Chris Spencer reports on an hour he spent looking at bus services in Henley.
There is a full round up of newas from around the Kennet and Thames Valley areas
At the end of May 2013 First Group announced it was relaunching the Beeline brand for local buses in Bracknell. A review of the new operation is given.
There is a report on Weavaway Travel who have recentyly updated their Newbury & District fleet.
Details are given of new bus services introduced in the Newbury area by the Go Ride Community Interest Company.
A number of Reading Buses service changes came into effect on 8 July 2013 and full detials are given.
The usual comprehensive round up of news from around the Kennet & Thames Valley area is also included.
There is a full report on the introduction of 20 Scania Gas Buses into service with Reading Buses.
Arriva and Carousel have rebranded their bus routes between High Wycombe and Chesham as 'The One' A review of this service is included in this issue.
The usual comprehensice coverage of news from the Kennet & Thames Valley Area is also included
First Berkshire have recently put some Hybrid single deck buses into service and a report is included in this issue.
There is a report on the rail replacement services provided when there was a blockade between Didcot and Maidenhead due to work being carried out in connection with the new Reading rail station.
Part 2 of the Reading Buses route review is included and there is news of the new Guide Friday services in Oxford.
There is the usual comprehensive round-up of news from the Thames & Kennet Valley areas.
There is news of a co-ordination of services between High Wycombe and Chesham by operators Carousel and Arriva.
Read the tale of Reading Buses diesel-electic hybrids which had problems in the recent freezing weather.
With Reading Buses planning large service changes from 1 July 2013, the current set up of routes is reveiwed.
The usual comprehensive fleet and operational news from the Kennet and Thames Valley areas is also included
There is a report on Oxford's new hybrid buses.
Friar Street in Reading was recently closed due to large cracks appearing in the road surface. Find out the cause of the cracks and the diversion of the affected bus services!!
The usual comprehensive fleet news in both the Kennet and Thames Valley areas is included.
There is a full report on the disruption to services in the Reading area due to a significant snowfall on Friday 16 January 2013.
Details are given of the proposed service changes to Courtney Buses effective from17 February 2013.
There is a report on three ex Reading MCW Metrobuses operating in the South Wales area.
Mac Head reports on the disposal of three former AWRE Aldermaston buses that had seen further service in Malta.
Reading Buses commenced operation of the combined South Reading contract on 5 November 2012. Full details of the contarct routes are given.
Thames Travel have recently exported 10 MAN/MCV singel deck buses to New Zealand. Pending arrival of replacement buses from Oxford Bus, A number of buses from Carousel have been loaned for which details are given.
There is a full report on the bus services operated by Reading Buses over the festive period.
There is news of Reading Buses winning the Shire Operator Of The Year Award in the recent 2012 UK bus awards.
Details are given of the service changes for First Berkshire from 1 December 2012.
There is a report of some former Horseman Coaches operating in Cyprus.
The usual comprehensice news from around the Kennet & Thames Valley areas is also included.
A full report is included on the recent takeover of Tappins Coaches by Weavaway.
There is news of RH Buses ceasing trading
Part Three of the Eton Dorney shuttle buses this time at the Paralympics.
There is also news of the Thames Valley Park shuttle service passing to Stewarts Coaches of Mortimer.
Details are given of the Reading Transport service changes which came into effect on 24 September 2012.
Ray Smith continues his report on the Eton Dorney Olympic Shuttle Buses.
The usual comprehensive round up of news from around the Kennet & Thames Valley area is also included
With the Olympics now over, Ray Smith looks at the bus operations organised for the event and in particular, the Eton Dorney Olympic shuttle buses.
BTS Chairman Graham Bilbe reports good news in that a new editir has been found for Bus Fare, so it looks like this journal will survive!
There is the usual coverage of transport news in the Kennet & Thames Valley areas.
During the recent Olympics, Reading Buses garaged and serviced some 40 brand new buses on behalf of Firstbus. Details of the vehicles involved are given.
Calamity at Belle Avenue, Reading! Graham Bilbe reports on an accident near his home which caused chaos for bus operations in the area.
There is an update on preserved former Reading area vehicles.
A roundup of news in the Kennet & Thames Valley areas is also included.
Finally an interesting photo was taken of a Bradford trolleybus and Swindon motorbus stoered in Whitley during 1949. Does anybody have more details????
The big news this month is that former Reading Buses Spectra 701 has been secured for preservation.
There is a preservation update on former Smiths Coaches Bedford OB EDP 757
A report is included on the last Reading bus in maroon and cream livery which has now been repainted into the two tone green livery similar to that now worn by the new Streetlites.
The usual comprehensive round up of news from around the Kennet & Thames valley areas is also included..
This months edition contains an obituary to Edgar Jordan who sadly passed away on 17 May 2012. Edgar was one of the founder members of the Reading Transport Society and was a fountain of knowledge on Reading trams and trolleybuses. He will be sadly missed.
BTS Chairman Graham Bilbe appeals for assistance in the production of Bus Fare which will cease to be published in the next couple of months unless help is forthcoming!
Graham Bilbe reports on the AEC Centenary rally at Newark held on 26 & 27 May 2012 which presented an opportunity to bring together the 3 Lison AEC's preserved in the UK.
There is the usual round up of news from the Kennet & Thames Valley areas.
This may very well be the last edition of Bus fare unless somebody can step forward to assist with arranging the layout and printing the journal. With Graham Stone working abroad and Mac Head touring abroad, both for long periods, then it is vital that assistance with preparing the magzine for publication is forthcoming soon..
There are details of the renumbering of the former Thames Travel fleet, recently purchased by the Go Ahead Bus Company.
First In Berkshire are introucing a new circular service No. 100 from the 2 June 2012. It will start in Windsor then to Virginia Water, Royal Holloway College, Egham, Runnymeade, Old Windsor and back to Windsor.
The usual roundup of news from the Kennet & Thames Valley areas is also included.
April 2012
This month we have features on the renumbering of the Carousel Buses fleet following the recent takeover by the Go Ahead Group, the celebration of 25 years of the "Oxford Tube" service between Oxford and London using the M40, a continuation of Chris Spencer's feature on local Optare Solos, and further information on local buses and services numbered 500 (or "D" in Roman numerals!)
All this plus the latest road passenger transport news from the Thames and Kennet Valleys.
Carousel of High Wycome were recently taken over by Go Ahead, consolidating their presence in the Thames Valley and Chiltern areas. Full details are given.
Chris Spencer shows us his photos of the Solo's with various operators working in the Reading area.
There is the usual comprehensive news roundup of bus operators in both the Thames Valley Kennet areas.
Reading Bus Station recently re-opened for the first time since 1993 on a temporary basis whilst the new railway station is being built. This issue features a consultants report following a survey carried out in the early years after the bus station originally opened up in 1967. It makes fascinating reading.
The usual comprehensive roundup of news from the Kennet & Thames Valley areas is also included.
Following on from the 500th edition of Bus Fare there is a continuation of the story of the 500 series of routes and registrations in the Kennet & Thames Valley areas.
Traffic and Infrastructure news includes details of the temporary re-opening of the old Thames Vally/Alder Vally Bus Staion in Station Hill, Reading plus news of various route diversions in the past month
There is the usual comprehensive round up of transport news from around the Kennet & Thames Valley areas.
This is the 500th edition of Bus Fare and to mark the occasion there is a look at vehicles routes and registrations that have carried the number 500 in the Kennet and Thames valley operational areas and, where possible, include photgraphs.
There is news of the diversions in place following the closure of Castle Street to enable mine exp[loration work to be carried out safely following a number of subsidences in recent years and also other diversions as a result of various other wors being undertaken in the Greater Reading area.
There is the usual comprehensive round up of transport news from around the Kennet & Thames Valley areas.
There is a report on the railway bridge replacement works coming up in the next couple of months in Purley and also the southernmost bridge in Cow Lane, Reading.
Thomas W.W. Knowles provides some old views of Reliance of Newbury buses and coaches.
A full comprehensive round up of news in the Kennet & Thames Valley areas is given.
There is a full review of the latest round of service changes made by Reading Buses on 26 September 2011.
A round up of the latest news from the Kennet and Thames Valley area is also included.
Robert Williams reports on the Oxford Bus Company applying Oxford SmartZone branding to the rear of their fleet of Scania ND230/Alexander Dennis Enviro 400's in addition to the recently applied "elasticity", "vivacity" etc branding.
"The Way It Was" features an ex Reading Buses Scania now in service with Eddie Brown Tours of Wetherby.
There is the usual comprehensive round up of news in the Kennet and Thames Valley areas.
There is a report on the launch of the Oxford Bus Company, Oxfordshire County Council and Stagecoach in Oxfordshire's eagerly awaited network of co-ordinated timetables and smarter ticketing on Oxford's main bus routes in June 2011.
The usual comprehensive roundup of news from the Kennet and Thames Valley areas is also included.
Chris Spencer and Graham Geoghegan report on their recent ride into the countryside to look at some independent coach operators in Mortimer and Basingstoke.
There is an appeal for information on some former coaches belonging to Reading Buses.
'The Way It Was' looks at the three BTS vehicles that were at Sandtoft to represent the Tram, Trolleybus and Motorbus era in Reading.
There is the usual round-up of news from the Kennet and Thames Valley area.
Details are given of the service changes in the Woodley and Earley areas.
There is a postscript to the launch of Reading's new traffic management system
There is an appeal for help to check the accuracy of the records of Reading Buses Leyland Tigers and Leyland Titans.
The usual comprehensive round up of news form around the Kennet & Thames Valley areas is also included.
This months news concentrates on the run up to the introduction of the new traffic flow in Reading town centre introduced on 18 April 2011. Full details on the effects of the changeover are reported.
Ray Smith reports on Reading Buses new ticket machine 'The Ticketer'.
The usual comprehensive news round-up from around the Thames & Kennet Valley areas is also included
With major roadworks about to take place in Reading town centre, details of the proposed changes to bus stops and diversions are given.
Chris Spencer took a trip out to Hungerford and tells us about his Kennet Valley experience!
'The Way It Was' recalls ex Reading 47 & 3 providing a service at the Cobham rally in April 1981.
The usual comprehensive round up of news in the Kennet and Thames Valley areas is also included.
Station Road, Reading was closed from early February until mid April and a full report on the diverted bus services appears in this issue.
There is a report by Graham Bilbe titled Night 'Train' To Basingstoke (Or, Confessions of a Rail-Replacemnet Bus Driver)!!!
Mac Head makes a surprising discovery in Bideford of an ex Windsorian coach still in Windsorian livery 18 years after the company ceased trading!
There is the usual in depth round up of news from bus operators in the Kennet and Thames Valley areas.
Between the Christmas and New Year period 2010 Reading railway station was closed whilst major resignalling works were undertaken and also Caversham Road railway bridge on the nothern side was replaced. A comprehensive report on all the bus route diversions that took place and rail replacement bus services that were put in place is included.
There is also a full round up of the latest news from bus operator's in the Kennet and Thames valley areas
Reading Buses have just taken delivery of 6 new hybrid Alexander, Dennis Enviro 400H double deck buses. A full report on their introduction into service is included.
There is a report on the service changes in the Newbury area.
There is a short report on the Oxford Tube Van Hool double deck bus which crashed just off the M40 motorway on 11 December 2010.
The ususal comprehensive round up of news in the kennet and Thames valley areas is also included.
Geoff Lovejoy of White Bus Services recalls memories of the problems caused by snow conditions leading up to Christmas 2009. This tale of how bus operators got caught out by the weather makes interesting reading.
'The Way It Was' section shows a view of Bee Line's leyland Leopard coach 719 (GGM 75W) in Broad Street, Reading in the 1980s before pedestrianisation of that street had taken place.
The usual comprehensive roundup of news from the Kennet and Thames Valley areas is also included.
Andrew Churchill looks at the success of the Oxford Smartcard fare system introduced in March 2007.
Robert Williams reports on the new Real-Time Passenger Information System in Reading.
The usual in-depth look at bus operations in the Kennet & Thames Valley areas is also included.
Green for GO! reports on Reading Transport's "Green Bus" branded buses and a short article describes the operator's choice for replacing its Wayfarer ticketing system.
There is an appeal for information which we can extend to non-members. Do you know when Alder Valley's bus depot in Thorn Walk, Reading, closed, or when the Kenavon Drive works opened? There appears to be no record of the date, but if you know or can get close the Bus Fare editor would be delighted to hear from you at busfare123@yahoo.co.uk
There is an extensive roundup of news in the Kennet & Thames Valley area this month.
Robert Williams takes a detailed look at the new operations undertaken by Thames Travel in the Bracknell area.
There is also a 4 page colour spread of photos of buses in the Bracknell area.
'The Way It Was' section reports on the recently restored Aldershot & District Dennis Falcon (POR 428) which was returned to the UK from exile in the Isle Of Man in the 1990s.
The usual comprehensive roundup of news in the Kennet & Thames valley area is also included.
Despite the fact that the tramway system in Reading was abandoned in May 1939, tramlines are still being lifted from the Reading streets occasionally. This issue reports on the removal of tram tack in Duke Street.
Ray Smith is appealing for photos/slides of Goldline Buses and London Line Buses operating outside the Reading area. Likewise Beeline Bus Sevies too. He also requires Timetables from the same era.
There is a comprehensive roundup of news from operators around the Kennet & Thames Valley areas.
The Isle of Wight Rock Festival was held on11-13 June 2010. To help ferry the people around the Island to the event Southern Vectis hired 5 Spectras from Reading Buses complete with crews for the period. Mark Hamlin reports on what he saw.
Ex Reading Buses 275, a 1968 vintage Brstol RE with Pennine Coachcraft bodywork is in danger of being scrapped if a new owner cannot be found by the end of this summer. Peter Whitehead appeals for people to try and save the vehicle.
There is the usual comprehensive round up of news from operators in the Kennet and Thames Valley areas.
Its all change in Bracknell as some of the First bus services are transferred under tender to Thames Travel. There is a full report of all the changes.
The final instalment of the story of Reading Buses Metroriders is included together with a comprehensive listing of their service history and subsequent disposals.
There is also the usual comprehensive round up of news of bus operators in the Kennet and Thames Valley area.
May 2010Reading Transport has announced an order for six ADL 400 Enviro hybrid double deck buses for delivery in November/December 2010. A full report on this development is included in this issue.
Chris Spencer reports on an enjoyable day out in Berkshire and South Oxfordshire, encountering a number of operators and vehicle types.
There is a photo feature on the former operator Reliance Of Newbury.
The usual comprehensive round up of bus news in the Kennet and Thames Valley area is also included.
School services in the snow - The concluding part of the big freeze that hit the Thames Valley area in January 2010.
There is a colour tribute to the Reading Buses Metrorider featuring the 12 basc livery variations carried over the years.
Details of the approval by Wycombe District Council of a Coachway facility next to the M40 motorway at Handy Cross to host frequent services to London, Oxford, Reading and Slough is given
There is the usual comprehensive round up of news in the Kennet and Thames Valley areas.
A comprehensive report about operations by Reading Buses in the big freeze is given, highlighting the trials and tribulations of trying to operate a bus service in such conditions.
A round up of news from the Kennet & Thames Valley areas brings us up to date with local operations
February 2010On 5 Janaury 2010 heavy snow once again caused major problems for bus operators in the Kennet & Thames Valley area. A comprehensive report is given.
As a result of the Local Transport Act of 2008 , the two largest operators in Oxford, Oxford Bus Company and Stagecoach in Oxford are to take advantage of new competition legislation to share services on the four main traffic corridors in the city. Details are included in this issue
There is a comprehensive round up of news from operators around the Kennet & Thames Valley Areas.
January 2010Reading Buses have recently made a number of service revisions and full details are given
Details are given regarding the Governments Green Bus Funding
There is a full account of how bus services in the Reading area were affected by the big freeze.
The series on the 'Tribute To The MetroRider' is concluded.
There is a back page feature on the Luton & District service X14 which operated between Reading, Leighton Buzzard and Aylesbury.
A comprehensive roundup of news from the Kennet & Thames Valley area is also included.
Details of Reading Buses service changes, which were due to have been introduced in September 2009, but now postponed until January 2010 are given.
There is a report on Reading Buses ending their experiment with Bio-Ethanol buses.
Part 3 of a tribute to the Reading Buses Metrorider is included plus the usual comprehensive round up of transport news from the Kennet and Thames Valley area.
October 2009David Hillas gives a potted history of bus services in High Wycombe which is accompanied by four pages of colour photos.
A comprehensive round up of bus news in the Kennet & Thames Valley area brings us up to date with all that's happening in the area.
SEPTEMBER 2009This month's edition includes Part 2 of a tribute to the Reading Buses Metrorider. Details are also given on the massive project of revamping the Reading railway station area together with a new transport interchange on which work will start in 2010.
There is the usual comprehensive round up of bus news from the Kennet and Thames Valley areas.
AUGUST 2009Reading Buses recently carried out a service review in a bid to cut costs during the current economic recession. An update of the changes made are reported in this issue.
Part 1 of a tribute to the MetroRiders that were once part of Reading Buses fleet is included together with a comprehensive round up of fleet news in the Kennet & Thames Valley area.
JULY 2009Stagecoach in Oxfordshire has invested a cool £9 million in a new fleet of environmentally friendly double deck coaches for its flagship Oxford Tube service. A full report is included.
There is also a review of the Royal Windsor Land Train as well as news of a prehistoric Olympian which visited Maidenhead recently!
JUNE 2009Like most bus companies in the UK, Reading Buses is suffering a significant drop in revenue arising from the recession. A review of the company's efforts to stabilise the situation by the end of their financial year in October is given.
There is also a look back at Winkfield Coaches, an offshoot of the well-known White Bus Services of Winkfield, near Windsor which ceased operations in early 1991.
May 2009News is reported on the plans to transform Oxford's bus services following the pedestrianisation of a number of streets in the city centre. The project will be carried out in two phases with phase one completion expected in 2010 and phase two completed by 2013.
Details of Courtney Coaches network of bus service changes in the Maidenhead area in February 2009 are given whilst Mac Head tracks down three former AWRE buses exported to Malta 20 years ago which are still in operation there.
APRIL 2009This issue contains details of the service revamp in the Newbury area and also the rebranding of Reading Buses rural services.
John Zebedee gives details of a new "Buses In Reading" website and encourages us all to get involved.
The usual comprehensive fleet news on the Kennet & Thames Valley areas is also included.
MARCH 2009This month features the story of the transport chaos that ensued following the heavy snowfall during the early hours of 2 February 2009 and also the flooding and black ice in the middle of the month.
The usual comprehensive fleet news from the Kennet and Thames Valley area is also included.
FEBRUARY 2009Simon Brown gives an introduction to the bus scene in the Basingstoke area whilst Mac Head takes us for a day out on Green Line.
There are details of 3 preserved ex-Reading motorbuses for sale.
Mac Head asks what goes on behind a bus and coach livery with a look at White Bus Services.
A full round up of news in the Kennet & Thames Valley area is also included.
JANUARY 2009This issue includes an article written by Dave Hall for the local Reading Evening Post about the history of Reading's trolleybuses.
There is a review of Reading's 'Pop Art' advertisement Scanias together with a look back at the days when Alder Valley buses on the London commuter services from Reading were used by London Transport for sight seeing tours during the day!
The usual comprehensive news of the Kennet and Thames Valley is also included.
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