Proposed Bus Route Changes Spark Community Debate

Councillors have been briefed on a potential change to bus routes to provide services between Woodley and Twyford.

Councillors are discussing potential changes to bus routes connecting Woodley and Twyford.

Since the launch of the Elizabeth Line in May 2022, Twyford train station has experienced a surge in passenger use, reaching 1.564 million in 2023/24, outpacing pre-pandemic levels.

With Earley station being the nearest option for Woodley residents, which connects to London Waterloo, the Elizabeth Line offers easier access to London Paddington.

Currently, Woodley is served by the Reading Buses 12 and Thames Valley Buses 128 routes, but these services don’t adequately cover the area.

At a recent Woodley Town Council meeting, community transport manager Rebecca Brooks suggested potentially running buses every half hour between Reading, Woodley, Sonning, and Twyford, with added services in the evenings and weekends.

She said, “This should be largely commercial but may require some support, particularly for evenings and weekends.” However, she pointed out that anyone needing to reach Wokingham would have to change at Twyford.

Councillor David Bragg, the town mayor, contested this, expressing that Woodley’s bus services are lacking compared to Earley. He pointed out the limited options for residents near South Lake Crescent, stating that many have to take a longer route to get to shopping areas.

“Ideally, it should be every 15 minutes,” he added, referring to the need for improved bus coverage in Woodley. Bragg also highlighted the infrequency of the route 19 bus to the Royal Berkshire Hospital as a concern during the meeting on October 21.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter