READING Borough Council is inviting residents to have their say on their proposals for bus infrastructure over the next phase of improvements.
As part of a £26 million investment into bus travel services around Reading, the council is seeking the public’s opinion on the plans.
It comes after they laid out proposals for six new bus lanes, including two on Oxford Road, both outbound between Zinzan Street and George Street and Pangbourne Street and Norcot Junction.
They also include two inbound lanes on London Road, between Liverpool Road and Cemetery Junction and Sidmouth Street and London Street.
There are further proposals for an outbound lane on Bath Road between Circuit Lane and Granville Road, and an inbound lane on Southampton street from Pell Street to The Oracle roundabout.
The improvements also feature extentions to the Buzz 42 service and south Reading services, improvements to the hospital Park and Ride service as well as Mereoak.
Further bus information and safety, shelter, and time display improvements are planned, as is the creation of a “passenger charter.”
Cllr Tony Page, RBC’s then-lead councillor for climate Strategy and transport, said: “Successfully securing £26 million funding to improve Reading’s bus service now sets us on an exciting journey to making our already excellent public transport network one of the best in the country.”
He explained that it comes: “Hot on the heels of us launching our new value-for-money ‘Reading All-Bus’ day travel ticket.
“These latest proposals further enhance our ambition to make travelling by bus in Reading easier, cheaper, quicker and more reliable.
“Prioritisng bus travel will benefit not only our transport network and current and potential bus passengers, but also for our environment.
He continued: “If more people choose to travel by bus this will result in reduced carbon emissions, improved air quality, health and wellbeing.
“Bus services, including community transport and school services, provide a vital lifeline for many people and access to opportunities such as education, training, employment, essential services and social events.
“Reading already has an extensive bus network which is well used by residents and visitors. However, bus services do suffer from delays as a result of traffic congestion, particularly at peak times, so there is a need to introduce greater priority for buses to improve services for local residents.”
He said that the council was keen to seek opinions from commuters and bus users in Reading before finalising plans.
“We do appreciate any major change like this to Reading’s road infrastructure will generate mixed opinions, and that is why we are keen to stress no decisions have been taken and we are keen to gather as much feedback as possible on the six new bus lanes we’ve proposed.
“I urge people to look at the proposals in more detail and have their say.”
Full details of the plans are available to view via: reading.gov.uk/BSIP
To submit your views to the consultation, visit: reading.gov.uk/bus-lanes
