Reading announced an order for 6 Irizar i3s at the Bus & Coach Live show in Birmingham on 1st November 2016 for delivery in 2017 for the recently re-awarded Vodafone contract in Newbury. Allocated fleet numbers 21-26, the vehicles arrived at the Scania dealership in Thatcham in early March ready for delivery to Reading and entry into service in Newbury.
The vehicles have 41 high back Lazzerini Practico seats trimmed in the black spot moquette with red leather insets.
25 is seen below on 30th March 2017:
Demonstrator SC13 BUS arrived in Newbury to cover warranty work from 19th December 2017 and allocated fleet number 27. In the event allowed 26 to go on loan to Reading to cover Green Line services whilst additional vehicles were being sourced. It left the fleet after use on 27th July 2018 following the completion of warranty work on 21-26.
