The pence-per-mile deal covers Reading Buses’ mix of 181 single- and double-decker buses, all of which operate from the company’s central depot in Great Knollys Street.
John Bickerton, chief engineer at Reading Buses, says: “The decision to renew our Effitires contract was an easy one, as we aim to lead the field in public transport – and we have a tyre supplier that helps us meet that goal, and ensures we get the maximum safety, durability and longevity from our Michelin fitments.
“The Effitires programme allows us to focus on delivering excellence in our operations, and by investing in the best in premium rubber we can harness both Michelin’s high-performance tyres, and the company’s many decades of industry experience.”
Michelin Solutions manages a shared action plan with Reading Buses and carries out tyre safety inspections, with the operator fitting Michelin tyres in house.
It uses a variety of Michelin urban bus tyres, which have reinforced sidewalls to protect against kerbing and minimise downtime.
The operator has also opted to regroove some of its Michelin tyres under the contract – a move that helps to save on fuel costs as the tyres become more fuel-efficient as their tread wears down, so regrooving a tyre maximises its operational life during its most fuel-efficient state.