West Berkshire Council: Have your say on local bus services

Published: 14 August 2024

Buses are a vital part of public transport in the UK, enabling young people to go to school, pensioners to see family and friends, and connecting people to work opportunities. Buses sustain town centres, strengthen communities, and help protect the environment.

In 2021, the Government launched the National Bus Strategy to improve bus services and provided funding to "build back better" via the Bus Service Improvement Plans. The main aim is to get more people travelling by bus by making them more practical and attractive as an alternative to cars.

Over the past few years, West Berkshire Council have been working with residents to gather thoughts on the local bus service. In the summer of 2021, they asked for opinions to help form the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), which led to them receiving £2.6 million in additional funding. Last summer, they sought feedback on the changes and improvements made so far to gauge satisfaction with local bus services.

Now, they want to hear your views on ticketing improvements over the past year, the £2 National Single Fare Cap Scheme, and the new bus services they are planning to introduce soon. Since last year, they have introduced new services, including their on-demand bus West Berkshire Community Connect and others like Community Connect A, 1e and the X34, alongside enhancements to Lime 2/2a and the renamed 32 (formerly known as the LINK).

West Berkshire Council want to hear about your experiences using these services, waiting for a bus, and whether you would like coach services to return to West Berkshire.

Councillor Stuart Gourley, Executive Member for Environment and Highways at West Berkshire Council, said: "Buses are the lifeblood of our communities, offering vital connections for education, work, and social activities. We are committed to continuously improving our bus services to make them a viable, attractive and practical alternative to cars to get around our beautiful district.

“Your feedback is crucial in helping us shape the future of public transport in West Berkshire and I’d encourage as many people as possible to take part in the short survey to have their say."

To take part, please complete the online survey by midnight on 8 September 2024.

Paper copies of the survey are available. Please ring 01635 519394 or email transport@westberks.gov.uk to request a copy.

Join West Berkshire Council in making a positive impact on the community and environment by sharing your experiences and suggestions!