Bus Overcrowding Issues Resolved for Students

Students travelling from Reading to Henley on the Aqua 28 have been missing buses because services are overcrowded at peak times, hitting those trying to get to Henley College.

At the start of term the 7.25am and 7.50am buses were often full by the time they reached Caversham, leaving students stranded and late for lessons.

Adele Barnett-Ward, who served as a councillor until May, raised the issue and said locals are relieved Reading Buses have increased capacity after pressure from residents and Caversham Labour councillors.

"This is now the second year in a row in which Henley College students living in Caversham have encountered overcrowding on the 28, leading to disruption of their studies.

"Would you be willing to support residents' calls for Reading Buses to proactively schedule increased term-time capacity on the route so that students have a reliable and accessible service from day one?"

John Ennis (Labour, Southcote) - praised by Mrs Barnett-Ward for lobbying the company - replied that the council had raised the issue with Reading Buses and welcomed the extra capacity, while noting practical limits and costs.

"The council was sorry to hear about the capacity issues on the Aqua 28 services between Reading and Henley affecting young people travelling to and from Henley College and is glad tob have seen Reading Buses reacting in a positive and timely fashion to address this."

"However, any additional running will incur additional costs, which needs to be considered as part of this commercial decision, to ensure the long-term sustainability of the entire network."

Mrs Barnett-Ward suggested Reading Buses and Henley College should talk over the summer to plan capacity. Cllr Ennis said: "That's a great idea." He also offered to help facilitate talks between the college and the bus company.

The question and answer were given at the full council meeting on October 13. Mrs Barnett-Ward lost her Thames ward seat in May to David Clarke, who is now the Green councillor for the area.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter