Buzz 18 launches
READING Buses is launching a new service for those who have been without a bus route until now.
The transport company has announced that the new Buzz 18 route is set to create a link between Tilehurst, Kentwood, and Portman Road with central Reading.
It replaces the Buzz 42, which currently runs from Kenavon Drive, near Blakes Lock, through the town centre, to Rivermead Leisure Centre.
The new route goes from central Reading to Rivermead before passing along Cow Lane and Portman Road, up Kentwood and then Tilehurst Triangle.
Buses will run every 40 minutes from Monday to Saturday and hourly on Sundays, with additional services in the morning and evening running as often as every 20 minutes through the 18a route.
The service will see singledeck buses from the company’s natural-gas-powered fleet and is part of the Bus Service Improvement plan.
The plan, set out by Reading Borough Council, was supported by government funding.
The Buzz 18 service will come into effect on Tuesday.
Robert Williams, Reading Buses’ chief executive officer, said: “We are delighted to continue our association with Reading Borough Council to provide the new Buzz 18 service which will go hand-in-hand with the recently enhanced Buzz 9 and to be expanding the number of biomethane fuelled buses in our fleet.
“Both routes will be operated by super clean biomethane buses with new Buzz branding to easily identify them to customers.
“It is great to have a new link between Tilehurst, Kentwood and Portman Road and of course be able to offer plenty of affordable fares which will have a £2 maximum fare cap.”
■ reading-buses.co.uk