First is to stop running its hourly route 702 Bracknell-Windsor-Slough-London Victoria Green Line on 23 December, due to it no longer being sufficiently profitable. It is the last Green Line-branded route it runs, using the name under licence from Arriva.
Reading Buses has moved fast with a replacement service on the route from 27 December.
It says: “From our perspective there is a clear case for growth.
“Our business model allows us to invest where we think there will be a return that will benefit our company and serve the Berkshire Thames Valley region.
“We continue to expand, alongside the growing Reading travel-to-work and associated areas, such as Bracknell.”
It will be recruiting the 18 drivers required for the 12 duties a day and is paying £12.65-14.78 per hour (depending on day) compared with First’s £11.56-11.97 rate.
