Premier Routes 25 and 26 - Proposed changes from Sept 2008

The Problem

The morning service is currently uneven with two buses often working in tandem inbound from Calcot to Central Reading in the peak. This is because of the uneven routing caused by three factors:
• The 25 route from Calcot Sainsbury’s to The Chase is slower than that for the 26
• Some buses start from Ford’s Farm rather than Calcot and
• Some buses run in from Theale because they have come from school services. These are quite often delayed due to congestion around the M4/A4 junction 12.

In addition, the 25 route via Calcot Estate is less well-used than the 26 via Beansheaf. There is also a problem in Central Reading with congestion at St Mary’s Butts.

Our Proposals

All buses would run on the same route – Premier Route 26 – between Calcot Sainsbury’s and Reading Station, with a ten minute frequency throughout and no exceptions. All buses would operate via Beansheaf, with Premier Route 25 being withdrawn. The section of Premier Route 25 via Calcot Estate would be taken over by Route 38. This will provide a much more regular and reliable operation.

Additional journeys would be provided on Premier Route 26 before 0900 on Saturdays and the evening service on Mondays to Saturdays would be increased to every 30 minutes, from the present hourly pattern.

In addition, it is proposed that customers who wish to board Premier Route 26 at Friar Street may do so and travel beyond Reading Station towards Southcote and Calcot.

Inbound to Central Reading, buses would operate via Russell Street and Oxford Road, dropping off in West Street, instead of using Castle Street and St Mary’s Butts. Outbound route would be as now.

Return to the main consultation page for details of where to send your proposal comments.