Community Triumphs: 22 Bus Service Saved!

Neighbours have helped save the number 22 Reading Buses route between the town centre and Caversham Heights after the operator planned to cancel it from Monday, July 20.

The campaign drew cross‑party support, a demonstration on Sunday, July 12 and a public meeting organised by Matt Rodda MP on Monday, July 6. Councillors and Mr Rodda ran surveys showing how many people rely on the service.

Of the 231 responses, 80 per cent said they personally rely on the service, 40 per cent have older relatives who depend on it, 33 per cent have children who rely on it, and 27 per cent said they simply won't be able to make journeys without it.

Saadia Saadat, the newly elected Conservative councillor for Caversham Heights, celebrated residents' efforts, saying: "Your support sends a powerful message that the 22 is a lifeline that must be protected."

Reading Borough Council confirmed a solution after Reading Buses received approval from the traffic commissioner to continue the route. Reading Buses is owned by the council but operates independently.

Council leader Liz Terry said the authority has provided a one‑off grant for Reading Buses to buy a new electric bus for the route, due to come into service next Spring. In the meantime, an interim service will run on a revised timetable.

Saadat added: "It is a testament to our campaign and the efforts of residents – all of this has put immense pressure on Reading Buses to reverse the decision, and because of that, it has been saved."

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter