Exciting plans to introduce a new bus service linking Reading, Caversham, Shiplake, and Henley-on-Thames have been announced.

From Monday, July 29, the new 'aqua 28' route is going to run every 30 minutes, Mondays-Saturdays, and up to every hour evenings and Sundays.

The introduction comes on the back of the recent news about Arriva closing High Wycombe and Aylesbury operations after July 27, including bus routes 800/850 that service this route.

Following past requests from customers for a more regular and reliable service to Henley, it was stated, "With the latest unfortunate news from Arriva, we thought this was a good time to test the water."

The goal is to supplement efforts of other operators in High Wycombe and Aylesbury, who are stepping in to replace Arriva, with a fast, reliable, high-quality service.

Notice was also given to former Arriva employees affected by the closure, "We also feel very deeply for employees affected by the closure, and would be happy to speak with any of Arriva's employees who live within a commutable distance of Reading about the possibility of joining our award-winning team."

For customers travelling with aqua 28, combined ticketing will be implemented, enabling passengers to journey further onto the entire Reading Buses network without needing to buy separate tickets.

This move is aimed at enhancing convenience.

The 'aqua' route represents the latest addition to other brightly coloured routes, inspired by the River Thames that links the two towns.

The buses will run on bio-methane, significantly reducing the carbon footprint.