Reading Buses is working closely with Network Rail to continue improving bus-rail connectivity at the new multi-million pound Reading Station.  The bus operator is building upon the success of Reading regularly topping the three most popular ‘PlusBus’ rail-bus add on ticket destinations in the UK.

Reading Buses has installed three brand new leaflet information pods which have their brightly coloured timetable leaflets for each route as well as network maps for people to check where the buses run. 

They have also worked to produce new ‘Continuing your journey by bus’ posters for inside the station itself so that travellers can check their onward journey and which stops buses depart from before leaving the barriers.  These are displayed at each exit of the station. 

The improvements are the result of collaborative work with the station operator to ensure that onward journey information for customers who arrive at Reading Station is of the highest quality. 

Said Martijn Gilbert, Reading Buses Chief Executive Officer:  “This is part of our on-going relationship with Network Rail, the operator of the station, to improve the signage and access to bus information.

“Over the coming months we will also be installing a new, re-located, inspectors’ hut featuring more information on the outside for customers.  Working with the Borough Council we are seeking ways to improve ‘Real Time’ travel information around the station area too.

“The redevelopment of the station has already seen an increase in traffic through its gates and with all the other exciting developments to come, such as Crossrail, this number will only continue to expand and we have to work hard to ensure that when customers arrive in Reading they have enough information to get them to where they want to go.

“Our comprehensive network of frequent and high quality bus routes serves all the major commuting conurbations of Reading and the surrounding areas to provide direct links to the rail station.
 
“Our on-board screens even change to show live train and platform information on the approach to the station.   For those arriving into the station at Reading, our buses also connect all the major amenities, including business parks and Madejski Stadium as well as retail and industrial areas.” 
 
Calum MacKay, Network Rail’s Manager for Reading Station, said: “The purpose of our redevelopment of Reading station was to improve passengers’ travelling experience, which is why we are delighted to support this initiative, making life easier for the hundreds of thousands of passengers who use our station each year.
 
“In the latest National Passenger Survey, satisfaction with Reading station rose by five percent compared with last year, and I hope that joint initiatives such as this will mean it continues to rise.”
 
Added Martijn:  “We aim to make our services as easy as possible to use and are constantly working on ways to further improve how bus information is communicated, how tickets are available for purchase and how we can work with partners across the town to promote the use of our buses, helping to bring much needed relief to congested roads as well as helping the environment.”

More information on Reading Buses services can be found online at www.reading-buses.co.uk