A neighbour has complained that she and others are forced to run across the road following the ‘deterioration’ of their bus service into and out of Reading town centre.
The route 10 bus provided a daily service between the town centre and Kennet Island, which features around 1,300 properties and is home to small businesses.
Timetable and route changes enacted by Reading Buses in September have added the Royal Berkshire Hospital as a stop.
But the changes also mean the route 10 is less frequent and no longer runs on Sundays.
The issue was raised by Shuet Han Tsui and Breege Brennan, the owners of Fidget & Bob Cafe at Merrick House.
Ms Han Tsui asked her question at the full meeting of Reading Borough Council on October 14.
She said: “Until recently, the Number 10 offered a fast and dependable link for commuters and residents alike.
“The revised timetable, however, represents a serious decline in service quality.
“These changes have had a real impact. As a small business based in Kennet Island, we’ve already seen fewer customers arriving by bus.
“More importantly, the reduced frequency is increasing social isolation for those who depend on public transport – especially older and disabled residents.
“Safety concerns have also grown, with more people now running across the A33 to catch the inbound bus.
“While we understand the value of connecting to the Royal Berkshire Hospital, this cannot come at the expense of a usable, everyday service for Kennet Island.
“Nor should route viability be judged solely by financial performance – a regular, seven-day service provides vital social and environmental value.
“Could the council please outline what improvements Kennet Island residents can expect in the near future?”
Her question was answered by John Ennis, the lead councillor for transport, who explained that Reading Buses conducts routes based on financial viability, and that the council is in regular communications with the company as its majority shareholder.
He said that the next service changes are due in January.
Ms Han Tsui then asked what efforts the council is making to determine the social impact of the changes on the daily lives of Kennet Island residents.
Cllr Ennis (Labour, Southcote) stated that he and Whitley Labour councillors recently met with Robert Williams, CEO of Reading Buses, to consider the impacts and the possibility of adjustments.
Cllr Ennis said: “Financial viability is so important, but the very social aspect was made very, very clear to the bus company, senior council officers and myself, and we will continue to do that, and work with them, and keep in touch with residents like yourself and small businesses within Kennet Island to ensure that we get an acceptable situation.
“Be under no doubt, your councillors are lobbying very hard to get the bus service back into Kennet Island. ”
