Town sees more people travelling by bus

Reading now has the third highest number of bus passenger journeys per head of population in England, outside of London

Bus usage in a town has increased by more than 11.4% in the last year according to newly published government figures.

In total 19.5 million bus journeys were taken in Reading between 2023 and 2024, which is two million more than the previous year.

The borough now has the third highest number of bus passenger journeys per head of population in England, outside of London, after Brighton and Nottingham.

A councillor from Reading Borough Council said the figures "highlight how hugely important buses are for so many people".

It comes after the council was awarded £26m in grant funding from the Department for Transport for its Bus Improvement Plan.

The scheme includes the introduction of several new bus lanes around the town, three of which have already been delivered in London Road (Cemetery Junction) and two in Oxford Road.

A new pedestrian and cycle bridge will also be installed over the River Kennet.

Lead councillor for climate strategy and transport John Ennis said: “Through our bus service improvement plan, the council has been working with partners on several schemes to make bus travel even quicker, more reliable, convenient, cheaper and easier to use."

Reading central station was also recently named the ninth-busiest in the country outside of London, by the Office of Rail and Road.

"The council intends to continue with its ambitious plans to encourage even more people to take public transport in preference to the private car, to reduce traffic congestion, cut carbon emissions and improve air quality to benefit the health of Reading’s residents,” Mr Ennis added.