BUS USERS in Woodley and Earley are being asked for their feedback on bus provisions since the 19a and 19c routes were discontinued earlier this year.
Wokingham Borough Council, in conjunction with Earley Town Council and Reading Buses, are asking residents who regularly use the bus to share their thoughts on the local services, namely the 12 service and the previous 19a/c services.
The councils have launched an online consultation which asks bus users whether they used the previous 19 a/c services, and whether they still use the bus now that service is no longer operational.
But some groups are concerned that those who once used the buses, but have sought other means of transport since the changes came into force, will be missed out.
They are also concerned that elderly bus users who may not have access to the internet will not have their voices heard.
At a meeting of the Association of Central Earley Residents (ACER) on Wednesday, October 4, residents aired their concerns about the survey.
One resident, Shirley Boyt, has started a petition to reinstate a service that connects Woodley and Earley residents with the Royal Berkshire Hospital before 8am.
She said: “The number 12 goes to the hospital, but it only runs once an hour. That isn’t enough.
“I have been in for appointments recently and have had to get a taxi home as I would have had to wait up to an hour for the next bus.
“Elderly residents are being left stranded, their journey on the bus is more than just a mode of transport, they meet up with friends and have a chat, it’s a lifeline for a lot of people.
“Having an hourly service, which doesn’t run at regular times, is not convenient.”
The consultation will run until November 3, so residents are being encouraged to get their responses in quickly.
Chris Bowring, Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for highways and transport, said: “This consultation is a chance for residents of Woodley and Earley to let us know their views on bus travel around their area and what they’d like to see from it in the future.
“We hope to get a good response to the survey as the consultation process aims to inform the future shape of the service.”
The survey is available to complete online by visiting www.wokingham.gov.uk/consultations.
Paper copies can be requested by calling 0118 974 6000, or can be picked up from the following locations:
- Maiden Erlegh Library, Silverdale Road, Earley, RG6 7LL
- Woodley Library, Headley Road, Reading, RG5 4JA
- Lower Earley Library, Chalfont Way, Lower Earley, RG6 5HZ
- ASDA, Chalfont Way, Lower Earley, RG6 5TT
- Oakwood Centre, Headley Road, Woodley, RG5 4JZ
- Earley Town Council, Information Centre, Radstock Lane
- Earley Crescent Community Resource Centre, Warble Drive
