A park-and-ride service running to and from Reading has been reintroduced for weekdays, and will make use of a new but controversial bus lane.

The Winnersh Triangle park & ride 500 service by Reading Buses currently runs on Saturdays between Winnersh Triangle and Reading town centre.

But after a decision by Wokingham Borough Council, the service will run from Monday to Saturday, with the first journey taking place on Monday, August 19.

At its most frequent, buses will run along the route at 15-minute intervals.

By the time the service is re-introduced, a new but controversial bus lane will be established in London Road between the Sutton Seeds roundabout and Cemetery Junction.

The approved design for the bus lane between the Sutton Seeds roundabout and Cemetery Junction in Reading. Credit: WSPThe approved design for the bus lane between the Sutton Seeds roundabout and Cemetery Junction in Reading. Credit: WSP

Detractors have argued the bus lane will lead to long queues as a lane previously used by all motorists will be taken away from drivers. However, supporters argue the lane will help journeys going west towards the town centre, and can also be used by cyclists.

The bus lane goes live on Thursday, August 15.

READ MORE: Backlash over new bus lane on the way in Reading

A return journey with parking will cost a total of £5 - £4 per person for the return bus journey and £1 for parking.

Passengers seeking to use park-and-ride services, including the 500, will be able to make use of a £1 fare for both a return bus journey and parking as a part of a promotion.

John Ennis (Labour, Southcote) lead councillor for climate strategy at Reading council said: “The special £1 return park and ride fares are brilliant value for money for anyone planning to come into Reading town centre.

“It is great news that the Winnersh park and ride service is being relaunched and will be able to benefit from the introduction of the new inbound bus lane along London Road.

“Cheaper, faster, more reliable and more frequent bus services will make public transport an even more attractive option for people travelling to Reading and around the borough, and will lead to less traffic, cleaner air and better health for residents.”

Reading council has funded 50,000 discounted return journeys on the three park-and-ride services to encourage visitors to experience the benefit of taking a bus into town and help reduce traffic congestion.

Regular prices will apply once the promotion has ended.

The other park and rides (P&R) are the P&R 300 from Mereoak P&R at Three Mile Cross and the Thames Valley Park P&R in Earley.

The Winnersh P&R was axed in November 2021, returning as a Saturday-only service in November last year.

Welcoming the re-introduction of the service from Monday to Saturday, cllr Stephen Conway (Liberal Democrats, Twyford, Ruscombe and Hurst) the leader of Wokingham Borough Council, said:  “We’re delighted to see the return of a full service from Winnersh Triangle park and ride.

“It means that it is cheaper, easier and more sustainable than ever for people to get to and from Reading town centre for work, education, leisure, visiting friends and families and many of the other great things on offer.”