Reading Buses has committed to a new five-year deal with Michelin, citing the quality of the product and high levels of customer service as the key reasons behind the decision.
The new contract will see Michelin’s Services and Solutions Division oversee the supply, fitting and management of all the tyres across the public transport operator’s 260-strong fleet.
Michelin will fit both new and Remix urban bus tyres, predominantly from the MICHELIN X InCity range, on Reading Buses vehicles.
The X InCity features reinforced sidewalls to protect against kerbing and accidental damage.
Tyres from the MICHELIN X Multi range will also be utilised across the smaller single-deck buses, plus a variety of coaches.
As part of the contract Reading Buses has opted for the Full Fit option, which sees Michelin’s technicians mount, demount and inspect all built-up wheel assemblies.
Michelin will manage the tyres through a multi-life policy – regrooving worn tyres on site once the tread depth reaches 3 to 4mm, helping to extend each tyre’s life in its most fuel-efficient state.
Once the regrooved tyres have worn, they will be retreaded at the Michelin Remix plant in Stoke.
The operator is also planning to add its first tranche of electric buses in April next year, which will arrive on MICHELIN X InCity EV Z – the manufacturer’s range of bus tyres specifically designed for EVs.
Tom Ranson, Chief Engineer at Reading Buses, said: “Michelin are leading the way in terms of EV tyres for buses and that was another thing we considered before signing the new deal.”
