New eco-bus named after former Vice-Chancellor

Tuesday, 20 September 2011

[Foreground l-r] Chair of Reading Buses David Sutton, Earley Town Council Mayor Tim Chambers and his wife, Acting Vice-Chancellor Tony Downes, and Reading Buses CEO James Freeman with the Gordon Marshall bus

One of Reading Buses' new eco vehicles has been named after our previous Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gordon Marshall.

Professor Marshall, who left the University this summer, was a regular bus user during his nine years here and he was also hugely influential in the implementation of the University's Carbon Management Programme launched in 2010, which is identifying ways in which the University can reduce its carbon footprint by 35% by 2015/2016.

Staff who have been involved in the project gathered yesterday to celebrate the naming of the new bus, which coincides with the announcement of more regular and greener bus routes running through the University.

Thanks to Reading Buses, travellers on routes 20, 20a and 21 are already enjoying brand new electric hybrid double decker buses, but there will now be a service from Central Reading to the University of Reading's Whiteknights Campus every seven to eight minutes.

Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Tony Downes said: "The naming of the bus is a fitting tribute to Gordon as he was a regular bus user and staunch supporter of the University's efforts to go even greener. As leaders in climate science research we are delighted to see Reading Buses' new eco-friendly vehicles on the road and welcome the new improved service which will benefit staff, students and the local community.

"We are proud of our award-winning 'green' Whiteknights Campus and initiatives that mean we now recycle over 40% of our waste but continue to work hard to reach our aim of reducing our carbon footprint by 35%."

The 20, 20a and 21 claret-coloured buses will bring a new travel experience for students, staff and other customers along the route between Central Reading and Whiteknights Campus and onwards to Lower Earley.

Features of the electric hybrid buses include:

• Low carbon emissions
• Smoother, cleaner and greener travel
• Wi-fi
• Improved voice announcements through new software

Reading Buses has also introduced a special £99 fare for students and staff offering unlimited term- time travel, or £297 for the academic year. 

Nikki Honer, Reading Transport's Communications Manager, said: "We have worked very closely with the University of Reading with whom we have a strong relationship.

"The message to students and staff of the University of Reading is that they can make a personal contribution by travelling on the cleaner, greener claret hybrid buses."

The new increased frequency begins on Monday 26 September ready for the start of the new university year.

[Photograph courtesy of Ray Willmott]