Reading Politicians Campaign Against Bus Route Cut

Reading Buses will axe the Pink 22 route from Monday, July 20. The loop links the town centre and Caversham Heights and will stop running in a few weeks.

MP Matt Rodda says he's pressing for alternatives and is talking to Reading Buses and Thames Travel about possible replacements. Reading Buses says the 22 has been making a considerable loss, with passenger numbers down since the pandemic and fares undercut by the rival X40.

Rodda is exploring options including whether the X40 could run more often or cover more of the 22 route. The operator's 81 school and commuter service on the same route will continue to run.

Rodda is running a residentssurvey on the cancellation: https://mattroddamp.com/pink22survey

Cllr Isobel Ballsdon (Conservative, Caversham Heights) says many residents are worried and she and colleagues will campaign to try to get the decision reversed. If the Number 22 affects you, contact Isobel.Ballsdon@reading.gov.uk.

Cllr Dave McElroy (Green, Redlands) warned cancelling the service risks more cars on the bridge and said bus services should be expanded so taking the bus is the easy choice.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter