Reading Buses is withdrawing from its Thames Valley route 2 from May 5, after competition from Courtney Buses
Chief Executive Officer Martijn Gilbert explained the reason for the withdrawal: “We stepped in to run route 2 after First deregistered their service as it wasn’t financially viable for them.
“We saw a great opportunity to help grow the service, encourage more people to travel and therefore make the service sustainable.
“Unfortunately, another bus operator also registered a service on this route and we were not anticipating an on the road competitive environment.
“We don’t believe that this corridor can sustain two operators, so it is with some regret that we have decided to withdraw after end of service on May 5.”
He added that Reading Buses would continue serving Dedworth until the withdrawal application takes effect. Weekly tickets will not be sold after April 30.
The resource from route 2 is to be redeployed into Green Line with the introduction of a new 703 daily service linking Bracknell, Windsor, Slough and Heathrow.
The new route will operate in conjunction with Green Line 702 to provide a combined half hourly service on a daily basis between Langley, Slough, Windsor and LEGOLAND Windsor Resort.
The Green Line 702/703 will start on May 8, three days after Thames Valley route 2 is withdrawn.
