As part of their annual service review for the new academic school year, Reading Buses have confirmed that this year’s changes will be ‘very small.’
The company normally make changes to their network at this time of year, but say that due to the effect of Coronavirus and uncertainty around government funding, they are keeping the changes small to ensure that customers can rely on their service.
Said Robert Williams, Reading Buses Chief Executive Officer: “We are looking forward to welcoming more people back to our services which have been keeping people safe and connected throughout the pandemic.
“The only timetable that will have a formal change is the lion 4/x4 which will have slightly amended departures early in the morning and late in the evening.
“We are also doing our usual ‘step up’ of services following the summer so emerald 5 and 6 and purple 17 services will return to their normal peak time frequencies. However, many customers will not see any difference as these services are extremely frequent – even during the summer.”
Robert also explained that their extra routes that run to the schools in the area will also return to normal as Coronavirus restrictions have been removed.
“During the restrictions a number of journeys were dedicated to schoolchildren for social distancing, but all services will now return to being full public services which anyone can use.”
Full details of services for schools can be found on the Reading Buses website at reading-buses.co.uk/schools
Robert also reminded customers about evening buses – most of which have already returned.
“Lots of our customers will already know that some night journeys that were suspended during restrictions have been reinstated – mainly on orange 13 and purple 17.
“The extra night journeys on claret 21 will return at the start of the new university term which begins Monday September 20 for first year students.
“No other services will see any changes,” he added.
Reading Buses say customers can find full information, including timetables, on their website www.readingbuses.co.uk