Reading Mainline memories

[robertclark125]

This month marks both the 21st anniversary of the launch of Reading Mainline, and the 15th anniversary of it's end. RM were their initials, and they had a fully RM fleet. Both this, and Routemaster Bournemouth, which had launched the previous year, started with crew operated buses, namely ex London Routemasters. In the 1980's, at deregulation, many operators, such as Stagecoach in Perth, Strathtay, Blackpool Transport, Southend Transport, Kelvin Scottish, used Routemasters.

Routemaster Bournemouth and Reading Mainline represented the last fling of Route master operation in a commercial sense outside London. Though neither made money, Reading Mainline was the more successful as it lasted longer, until 1998 when Reading Buses bought it. Routemaster Bournemouth ended in late 1994.

So, 21 years on, what were peoples thoughts on this firm, Reading Mainline, and also, how successful was it really?

 

[BestWestern]

I recall a feature, possibly in a bus preservation mag, about RM relocating and the resulting convoy of Routemasters passing through the town. Very smart outfit they seemed to be.

I wonder what such an operator would intend on doing now if one still existed, regarding upcoming disability laws...

 

[Busaholic]

I never got to see the operation, having a lot of family and other problems in the mid and late.1990s, but was due to pay them a visit the weekend after they suddenly announced their closure. Most of their uncannibalised RMs saw further service with London Transport. Reading Transport seems a very well-run operation and must be the most immune of the former municipals from takeover, saving perhaps Lothian.

 

[overthewater]

Im sure Routemasters were still in use in Perth to wards 1997?

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Im sure Routemasters were still in use in Perth to wards 1997?

Think Routemasters disappeared after Strathtay withdrew so all gone by 1994.

 

[overthewater]

Think Routemasters disappeared after Strathtay withdrew so all gone by 1994.

Im sure of it, Stagecoach had them on route 1 and 2 until being replaced by low floor darts around 97.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Im sure of it, Stagecoach had them on route 1 and 2 until being replaced by low floor darts around 97.

Had a look on Flickr and I can't find a Stagecoach Perth RM shot post 1994; I thought they brought in B10Ms into Perth?

That aside, the Reading fleet was a later operation lasting until 2000. However, the savings in fleet/staff from faster boarding don't outweigh the cost of two man crews....hence the folly of the Borismaster!