By agreement with Stagecoach South, Reading Buses is to take over the northern part of Stagecoach’s hourly commercial Aldershot-Reading route 7, which runs south from the town to Aldershot.
Reading already runs this section on evenings and Sundays under contract to Wokingham Borough Council.
From 16 April Reading Buses will operate the northern part of the route from Reading and Hartley Wintney, continuing direct into Fleet for rail connections.
Stagecoach will continue to operate the southern section of the route between Hartley Wintney and Aldershot ,with most journeys continuing to provide a through link by buses that are timed to connect at Hartley Wintney. Plans are being finalised for through tickets.
Existing Stagecoach season tickets will be accepted by Reading Buses until their expiry, while the new section will be incorporated into Reading’s existing network tickets.
The deal does not involve the transfer of any employees, but does include the sale of two Stagecoach vehicles.
Stagecoach South MD Edward Hodgson, says: "The part of the route between Hartley Wintney and Reading has always been geographically quite remote in comparison to our core operations and we have struggled to find a way of making that part of the route sustainable over the longer term.
“Reading Buses is operationally better placed to deliver the northern section and we’re finalising plans to ensure that customers will still be able to travel from Aldershot to Reading using one ticket.”
Reading Buses CEO Martijn Gilbert says: “Its acquisition means we will be able to provide a daily coordinated service to many customers.
“As the Reading travel-to-work area continues to grow with new housing and other amenities coming on stream, it is important that areas such as Three Mile Cross, Swallowfield, Riseley and Fleet are connected to Reading with good quality and integrated local transport.
“As part of the Reading Buses network we are able to provide this facility and we look forward to further enhancing the service and attracting more people on board the route in this important area of growth.”
