Twenty routes operated by Reading Buses will face disruption through road closures and diversions during and following the Reading Half Marathon which returns on April 2.
The company warn that the effect on bus services will be significant as they will be subject to cancellations, delays and curtailments in the hours before, during and following the race which is expected to attract a large number of runners.
Reading Buses have outlined how the race will affect each of their services on their website www.reading-buses.co.uk They point out that the list is subject to short notice changes on the day.
Said Robert Williams, Reading Buses Chief Executive Officer: “We appreciate our customers’ patience before, during and after the race. Our drivers will be working hard to do what they can to help people get to where they need to be.
“We are working closely with the organisers to help customers get safely to and from the race village. There are official parking sites arranged by the organisers.
“Once again Reading Buses will be running shuttle buses to and from the race to help runners and supporters reach the start and finish lines.
“The M1 shuttle will provide a frequent service running between Central Reading and the start line near the stadium.
“Buses will run from the Southwest Interchange at Reading Station and there will be a fast and frequent service from the town starting at 7.00 am until 9.24 am. The last bus from the stadium will depart at 3.00 pm”.
Tickets for the shuttle are priced at £2 for adults and £1 for concessionary pass holders. Children under five travel for free. Tickets include a return journey.
For those who have booked parking in advance with the race organisers, there will be a free shuttle bus service – M2 and M3 – from yellow and blue car parks.
The yellow car park will be located at Shinfield Park with shuttle buses starting at 6.30 am and running frequently until around 2.45 pm.
The blue car park is at Mereoak park & ride with shuttle buses running at similar times.