READING’S first new train station in more than a century has marked a major milestone one year after opening.
Green Park Station, the first new station in the town in 116 years, marked its first anniversary this week after it opened to passengers last May.
Then newly-elected mayor Cllr Tony Page officially opened the station in his first official engagement in the role.
Since then, 159,724 journeys have been made via the station; representatives from Reading Football Club, Great Western Railway, and Reading Borough Council met at the station for a special celebration to mark the event.
GWR’s Regional Development Manager, Eleanor Wills, said: “New stations such as Reading Green Park are vital in bringing the railway closer to people as we all become more mindful to live and travel more sustainably.
“Reading Green Park is a real success story and these passenger numbers clearly show how important good transport links are for the local economy, to local people, businesses and the wider community.”
Cllr John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport at Reading Borough Council, said:
“The opening of Reading Green Park station has provided a great extra travel option for residents and businesses in south Reading, as well as football fans travelling to Reading FC games at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
“The fact that journey numbers have surpassed expectation in the first year shows that people will choose sustainable ways of travelling if they are good quality and easy and convenient to use.
“Reading Council has introduced the Buzz 9 bus route to service Reading Green Park station and recently worked with Great Western Railway and Network Rail on the excellent upgrade of Reading West station.
“We will continue to work with our partners to improve public transport and active travel options in Reading to cut carbon emissions, reduce air pollution and benefit residents’ health.”
