THIS FIRST READING ENHANCED PARTNERSHIP SCHEME IS MADE IN
ACCORDANCE WITH SECTIONS 114 – 123 OF THE TRANSPORT ACT 2000
(as amended) by Reading Borough Council, of Civic Offices, Bridge Street,
Reading, RG1 2LU
The Scheme was modified under a variation made by Reading Borough Council
under powers conferred by s138 E of the Transport Act 2000 (as amended) on 16th
January 2023. The Scheme as originally made and a compare version identifying
amendments made are available on request by contacting transport@reading.gov.uk or by accessing https://www.reading.gov.uk/vehicles-roads-and-transport/transport-strategy/bus-service-improvement-plan/.
| “Additional Facilities” | means facilities meeting the requirements of s138D(1) of the 2000 Act intended for the convenience of passengers of local services which are listed in Part 2 of Schedule 1 and to be introduced into the Scheme with effect from a future date; |
| “the Authority” | means Reading Borough Council; |
| “Bus” | means: (a) a motor vehicle constructed or adapted to carry more than eight passengers (exclusive of the driver); and (b) a Local Bus not so constructed or adapted; |
| “Bus Lane” | has the same meaning as given in regulation 23 in Part I of the TSR&GD 2002; |
| “Bus Operator (or Operator)” | means any bus operator operating Qualifying Bus Services; |
| “Bus Service Improvement Plan “ | means the Bus Service Improvement Plan adopted by the Council on 17 November 2021 as the same may be revised from time to time; |
| “Bus Stop” | means a location within the Scheme Area which is intended for waiting by local buses; |
| “Bus Stop Clearway” | means a Bus Stop indicated by road markings of the type shown in either diagram 1025.1, 1025.3 or 1025.4 in Schedule 6 to Part 1 to the TSRGD within which the legend “BUS STOP” area is marked and within which the requirements, prohibitions and exception specified for the term “Bus Stop clearway” given in Schedule 19 to Part 1 of the TSRGD apply; |
| “Commencement Date” | means the date of commencement of the scheme pursuant to clause 2.1, or such later date as the Scheme may commence following any postponement of the EP Scheme under section 117 of the Transport Act 2000; |
| “Enhanced Partnership Plan (EP Plan)“ | means the Enhanced Partnership Plan for Reading Borough which was made on 14 March 2022; |
| “Enhanced Partnership Scheme Bespoke variation (Bespoke variation mechanism)“ | is a reference to the procedure leading to formal bespoke variation of the relevant Enhanced Partnership Scheme involving the voting mechanism set out in section 11 and the variation adoption procedures of the Authority and which when made will constitute a formal bespoke variation of the relevant scheme for the purposes of s.138E(1) of the 2000 Act; |
| “EP Board” | means the Enhanced Partnership Board created and operating in the manner provided under the EP Plan; |
| “Exempted Services” | shall mean the category of Local Services listed in Schedule 2; |
| “Excursion or Tour” | has the same meaning as given in section 137(1) of the Transport Act 1985; |
| “Facilities” | means the Provided Facilities and from their respective Relevant Date the Additional Facilities; |
| “Group” | means in relation to a company, that company, any subsidiary or holding company from time to time of that company and any subsidiary from time to time of a holding company of that company; |
| “Local Bus” | means a public service vehicle used for the provision of a Local Service; |
| “Local Service” | has the meaning set out in Section 2 of the Transport Act 1985; |
| “Measures “ | means those measures referred to in Schedule 1 meeting the requirements of s138D(2) of the 2000 Act; |
| “Mileage Determination Date” | means 1 April in each year; |
| “EP Scheme” or “Scheme” | means this Reading Borough Council Enhanced Partnership Scheme; |
| “Measures Implementation Date” | means the date (if any) specified in column 4 of the table 2 within Part 3 of Schedule 1; |
| “Provided Facilities” | means facilities meeting the requirements of s138D(1) of the 2000 Act intended for the convenience of passengers of local services which are listed in Part 1 of Schedule 1; |
| “Qualifying Bus Services” | is a reference to registered local bus services with one or more stopping place within the geographical area of the Enhanced Partnership, with the exception of those detailed in Schedule 2; |
| “Relevant Date” | means a date specified in this EP Scheme against an Additional Facility, a Measure or Standard of Service as the effective date for that Additional Facility, Measure or Standard of Service; |
| “Scheme Area” | means the area where this EP Scheme will apply and which is identified on the map appearing as Appendix 1 to this EP Scheme; |
| “Scheme Variation Date” | means the date upon which this variation to the EP Scheme was made by the Authority; |
| “Standard Implementation Date” | means the date upon which a Standard of Service must be implemented in respect of each Local Service that is subject to this EP Scheme as may be specified in column 4 of the table at Part 4 within Schedule 1; |
| “Standards of Service” | means the standards of service set out in the table at Part 4 within Schedule 1; |
| “Traffic Commissioner” | has the meaning set out in Section 82(1) of the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981; |
| “Traffic Regulation Order” | means an order made by the Authority in accordance with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002 (SI 2002/3113) as amended, updated or replaced from time to time; |
| “Voting Entitlement” | the number of votes available to the Authority and to each Bus Operator under the Voting Scheme and which are: • for the Authority two votes; • for any Bus Operator and any of its Group Companies that on the Mileage Determination Date operate 20% or greater of the aggregate miles operated by all Bus Operators in respect of Qualifying Bus Services within the Scheme Area two votes in total to represent in each case all of the parent company’s and all of its subsidiaries’ interests; and • for any Bus Operator and any of its Group Companies that on the Mileage Determination Date operate less than 20% of the aggregate miles operated by all Bus Operators in respect of Qualifying Bus Services within the Scheme Area one vote in total to represent all of those Operators interests; |
| “Voting Scheme” | the bespoke voting scheme that is to be utilised as provided for in section 11 of this EP Scheme; |
| “2000 Act” | Transport Act 2000 (as amended by the 2017 Act); |
| “2017 Act” | Bus Services Act 2017. |
| 2.1 | The EP Scheme was made on 14th March 2022 and came into effect on 1st April 2022. The Scheme was varied under procedures provided for by s138 E of the TA 2000 and made as a varied scheme on the date provided for at the beginning of this EP Scheme the varied scheme to come into effect on the day of its making. |
| 2.2 | The EP Scheme will operate (subject to variation or revocation) for an unspecified period. The EP Board will formally review the operation of the EP Scheme at six-month intervals and may review at other times as circumstances require – for example to meet a given timescale for a capital funding bid to government or any other funding organisation. |
| 3.1 | The EP Scheme has been jointly developed by the Authority and those Bus Operators that provide local bus services in the Scheme area. It sets out obligations and requirements on the Authority, and Operators of local services that are Qualifying Bus Services in order to achieve the intended improvements, with the aim of delivering the objectives of the associated EP Plan. The overall Aim is to build a sustainable, efficient and growing bus network that meets the public’s travel needs and expectations. |
| 3.2 | The EP Scheme aims to bring benefits to persons using Local Services by improving the quality of those Local Services operating in the Scheme Area and in the case of all Local Services that are Qualifying Bus Services, restricting the use of the Bus Stops in the Scheme Area to those Qualifying Bus Services that are operated by the relevant Bus Operator that meet the Standards of Service. The restriction referred to is without prejudice to the rights of operators of other services referred to in paragraph 5.1. The Authority is satisfied that both the provision of the Facilities, the taking of Measures and the provision of Local Services to the required standard will achieve this aim. |
| 3.3 | The EP aims to enable Bus Operators to achieve more reliable and punctual services in accordance with bus service registrations as part of their commitments to the Traffic Commissioner, reduce journey time, increase bus patronage and passenger satisfaction. Measures and funding will be put in place from existing and future funding sources. |
| 4.1 | The Scheme Area covers the administrative area of the Authority as identified in the plan set out at Appendix 1. |
| 4.2 | The EP Scheme shall apply to Bus Operators operating Qualifying Bus Services within the Scheme Area unless the service is an Exempted Service. Where following any variation to this EP Scheme a Facility or a Measure is to be implemented by the Authority or a new or modified Standard of Service is required of Operators from a stated date the relevant Facility or Standard of Service shall apply (subject to any provision within the 2000 Act permitting postponement) from the date specified in the variation. In the case of Measures, where a Measure Implementation Date is specified the Authority shall use reasonable endeavours to achieve that date. |
| 4.3 | A summary of all Local Services operating in the Scheme Area at the date of making of the EP Scheme is set out in Schedule 3. The Authority will update Schedule 3 when informed of any proposed service changes by any Bus Operator and the Authority will make copies available to the Traffic Commissioner and all Bus Operators of affected Local Services. For the avoidance of doubt, such list will be an indicative list only of those Local Services which the Authority believes to fall within the terms of the EP Scheme and are Qualifying Bus Services. An omission from the list in Schedule 3 shall not exempt a Local Service from the EP Scheme, which would otherwise fall within the terms of the EP Scheme by reason of meeting the definition of a Qualifying Bus Service. |
| 5.1 | The Authority will make the Facilities available (as detailed in Part 1 of Schedule 1) to Qualifying Bus Services and maintain and procure the maintenance of the Facilities from the Commencement Date (in relation to Provided Facilities) and from the Relevant Date in the case of Additional Facilities that the Authority commits in principle to provide, until the date the Scheme ceases to have effect. For the avoidance of doubt the Authority will not restrict use of the Facilities by Exempted Services. |
| 5.2 | Paragraph 5.1 shall not apply in relation to any Qualifying Bus Service using a Facility for any period during which the Authority is temporarily unable to fulfil its obligations, in respect of that Facility, due to circumstances beyond its control. In such circumstances the Authority shall notify any Bus Operator affected by the inability of the Authority to meet its obligations in respect of that Facility, confirming the reason for such inability and the anticipated period during that the Facility will not be available or the Facility is not being provided in compliance with the Authority’s obligations. |
| 5.3 | The Facilities are to be maintained (subject to any variation to this EP Scheme or circumstances referred to in paragraph 5.2) for the duration of the EP Scheme in accordance with existing standards of maintenance generally applied by the Authority in its management of local transport assets. |
| 5.4 | Incorporation of certain Provided Facilities and, hereafter, Additional Facilities, anticipates the Authority being the responsible organisation for purposes of maintenance, management and compliance. In the event that the Authority, for any reason, ceases to have such responsibility the relevant Provided Facilities shall only be retained within this Scheme provided that: 5.4.1. the Authority (without legal obligation to secure the same) is able to enter into arrangements with the successor party for the requirements concerned to continue to be provided and maintained; and 5.4.2. where the arrangement at clause 5.4.1 is agreed by the successor party in respect of the relevant Provided Facilities requirements of the Authority under this Scheme shall change and have the status of a Measure with the requirement to procure the continuing maintenance, management and compliance with the requirements of this Scheme in respect of each affected Facility; and 5.4.3. upon any such arrangements coming into effect this EP Scheme shall be varied in its effect to such extent as necessary at the instigation of the Authority and shall not be subject to the variation procedures prescribed by s138 of the TA 2000. |
| 5.5 | The Authority shall ensure that any Traffic Regulation Order and/or contractual or other arrangement necessary to support the availability of any Provided Facility that is in place and maintained from the Relevant Date and thereafter continues to be in place (subject to variation under this Scheme) for so long as this Scheme remains in effect. |
| 5.6 | Further facilities in respect of which funding has been confirmed [(subject to agreement of the [first] and any subsequent Grant Award Letter(s))] and which are to be incorporated into the Scheme are identified indicatively in the table at Part 2 of Schedule 1. In each case the Additional Facility shall be introduced into the Scheme under the Bespoke Variation Procedure with a Relevant Date determined as part of the variation adopted. |
| 5.7 | In relation to any decision made by the Authority to make a relocation of any Bus Stop that is minor in its effect, such as, amongst other things, a temporary move due to roadworks, and any decision to introduce a new Bus Stop no variation to this EP Scheme shall be required. The Authority shall give reasonable notice to Bus Operators of any decision of the kind referred to in this paragraph 5.7. |
| 6.1 | The Authority shall continue to take and, where relevant, commence to take the Measures provided for in the table at Part 3 to Schedule 1 to this EP Scheme with effect from the Measures Implementation Date. Where no Measures Implementation Date is specified the implementation of the Measure is subject to completion of detailed development and to the securing of necessary funding. The Authority’s commitment to take Measures is subject to any temporary inability to take the required Measure whether at all or in part provided that the Authority where the period of unavailability is material to the interests of Operators notifies Operators of the circumstances and where practicable the likely period of unavailability that is likely to exist. |
| 7.1 | An Operator of a Qualifying Bus Service may only use any of the Facilities in the Scheme Area for Qualifying Bus Services if a written undertaking from the operator in the template form attached at Appendix 2 to this EP Scheme is provided to the Traffic Commissioner and a copy delivered to the Authority. |
| 7.2 | Operators of Qualifying Bus Services shall, subject to paragraph 7.3, comply with the Standard of Services, as specified in Schedule 1, in respect of all Qualifying Bus Services with effect from the Standard Implementation Date where a date is specified, except for any period during which the Operator is temporarily unable to do so due to circumstances beyond its control. The Authority is to be notified in writing as soon as reasonably practicable as to the reasons and expected period of such non-compliance |
| 7.3 | If no date is specified in the Operator’s notice to the Authority under clause 7.2, then the particular standard of service represents a standard that the Authority considers should be implemented at a future date, but this shall be subject to the making of a Variation to this EP Scheme as provided for at paragraph 11 of this EP Scheme. |
| 7.4 | Any Operator of a Local Service who fails to comply with clause 7.1 or 7.2 may be subject to action by the Traffic Commissioner in accordance with section 26 (conditions attached to PSV operator’s licence) of the Transport Act 1985 and section 155 of the 2000 Act. |
| 8.1 | The improvements to infrastructure, ticketing, highways, vehicle quality and staff training by introducing this EP Scheme including as further developed through variations to the Scheme, will bring benefits to passengers using Local Services in the Scheme Area by improving the quality of those Local Services. |
| 8.2 | Congestion in the Scheme Area is currently one of the causes for unreliability, solved only by the addition of extended journey times, and therefore prevents any significant reductions in scheduled journey times. The introduction of the EP Scheme is anticipated to lead to a number of measures to address congestion. This should improve reliability and accessibility and help towards increasing bus usage. Facilities and Measures will be put in place using available funding as proposed in Schedule 1. |
| 8.3 | The targets for passenger benefits for this EP Scheme are based on the Bus Service Improvement Plan submitted to the DfT on 31 October 2021. The Bus Service Improvement Plan may be updated by the Authority from time to time at its discretion. Any revised targets set by such updated plan shall then be referred to in this EP Scheme (following consultation with Operators through the EP Board) without a requirement for any variation to be made. |
| 8.4 | This EP Scheme is intended over time to support public health in the administrative area of the Authority by reducing the emissions of harmful Nitrous Oxide and Particulate Matter from the Operators’ bus fleets. It will also contribute to a reduction in the Authority’s Carbon Dioxide emissions and contribute to the Authority’s climate change commitments. |
| 8.5 | Each Operator shall report savings it has made to the Authority on an annual basis (commencing with the first anniversary of the date of the making of this EP Scheme variation for the purposes of complying with the requirement set out at reference [S1] in the table in Part 4 of Schedule 1 (Requirements of Bus Operators), and such savings to be reported shall include but not be limited to (i) cash savings made by that Operator; (ii) savings made by that Operator which relate to assets and/or resources available to that Operator and/or which no longer need to be utilised by that Operator as a result of the implementation of Facilities and/or Measures in accordance with this EP Scheme, and/or requirements imposed on Operators in accordance with Part 4 of Schedule 1 (Requirements of Bus Operators) of this EP Scheme; and/or other operational expenditure in respect of Local Services operating in the EP Scheme Area which that Operator no longer needs to expend, which are, in each case, derived directly from this EP Scheme. |
| 9.1 | An Operator of a Qualifying Bus Service may only use the Facilities in the Scheme Area if each Qualifying Bus Service is provided by that Operator to the Standards of Service except for any period during which that Operator is, in respect of one or more local services temporarily unable to do so owing to circumstances beyond its control, provided that the Authority is notified in writing as soon as practicably possible as to the reasons and expected period of such non-compliance. |
| 9.2 | Any Operator of a Local Service who fails to comply with paragraph 9.1 above (including failing to give any undertaking required by the Traffic Commissioners in relation to the registration of any new or variation to an existing service) may be subject to action by the Traffic Commissioner in accordance with section 26 (Conditions attached to PSV operator’s licence) of the Transport Act 1985 and section 155 of the TA 2000. |
| 10.1 | The EP Scheme will be reviewed at intervals as described at paragraph 2.2, which will include an assessment of the EP Scheme’s benefits in order to determine if any action is required to maintain or develop the Facilities, commit the Authority to taking further Measures and vary, add to or remove Standards of Service. |
| 10.2 | Throughout the duration of the EP Scheme, the programme shall be monitored and evaluated against the objectives of the Bus Services Improvement Plan and Enhanced Partnership Plan. In accordance with the EP Plan, the EP Forum will play a key role in this review process and will provide the opportunity to discuss all kinds of issues affecting the Reading BC bus network, consulting with and building consensus across the various stakeholders and making recommendations for consideration to the EP Board. The forum will represent a platform for the Council’s to monitor the effectiveness of its transport plans and policies and, in particular the effectiveness of the EP Plan through consultations that it will undertake from time to time in conjunction with the EP Board with both the forum and wider constituent groups within the Reading BC area. |
| 10.3 | The Authority reserves the right to monitor compliance with the Standards of Services in respect of a Qualifying Bus Service that is using any of the Facilities. Bus Operators of Qualifying Bus Services will allow the Authority (including its officers and employees) reasonable access to any such Qualifying Bus Service for this purpose, and provide any reasonable assistance required for this purpose. |
| 10.4 | Instances of Bus Operators failing to comply with the Standard of Services may be reported to the Traffic Commissioner and may be subject to action as detailed in Paragraph 9.2. |
| 11.1 | Variations to the EP Scheme shall be brought into effect through the formal making of a variation to the EP Scheme by the Authority. |
| 11.2 | Variations considered for implementation may include variations to this variation procedure and in particular the Voting Scheme for the EP Scheme in the event that there is (in the opinion of the Authority (acting reasonably)) a material change in the ownership of route registrations relating to the provision of Qualifying Bus Services including the introduction into the EP Scheme area of any new Bus Operator. |
| 11.3 | The making of a variation shall be subject to the following: • the internal procedures required to be pursued by the Authority having regard to all relevant governance arrangements that are relevant to any variation; • consequences that arise from the variation (such as requirements to undertake impact assessment, financial implications and any requirements to secure the assistance of other parties in order to deliver the proposed variation); and • the EP Board being satisfied that the EP Scheme as varied will improve the quality or attractiveness of bus services in the Scheme Area; and/or the EP Scheme as varied will contribute to reducing or limiting congestion, noise or pollution. |
| 11.4 | Bespoke variation to the EP Scheme may be made applying the provisions of this section 11 of the EP Scheme applying in turn the provisions of s.138E of the TA 2000 where the following conditions (required to be specified under that section of the TA 2000) exist namely: • if implemented it will result in the variation to or the addition of any further Facility, Measure or Standards of Service or the removal of any Facility, Measure or Standards of Service or a combination of the same; and • the variation is considered by the Authority, to be acceptable and appropriate to be developed into a formal variation for adoption by the Authority taking into account factors that the Authority is required to take into account including matters of competition law, affordability (taking account of available funding but having regard to any future ongoing costs) and the Council’s equalities duties. |
| 11.5 | The Authority and, where appropriate, other parties as provided for in the EP Plan may from time to time bring forward proposals for variations to this EP Scheme reflecting, in particular, investment opportunities that arise that will lead to enhanced and/or new Facilities intended to improve the quality of bus services operating in the Scheme Area or which if implemented are calculated to increase patronage or meet other objectives within the EP Plan. |
| 11.6 | The Authority and, where appropriate, other participants in the EP Scheme may from time to time bring forward proposals for variations to this EP Scheme reflecting, in particular, Facilities that the Authority is able to commit to that will lead to enhanced and/or new Facilities intended to facilitate the improvement of the quality of bus services operating in the Scheme Area to which this EP Scheme relates, or which if implemented is calculated to increase patronage or meet other objectives within the EP Scheme or the EP Plan. |
| 11.7 | The Authority and, where appropriate, other participants in the EP Scheme may from time to time bring forward proposals for variations to this EP Scheme reflecting, in particular, Measures that the Authority is able to commit to or, with co-operation from third parties, secure that will lead to enhanced and/or new Measures intended to facilitate the improvement of the quality of bus services operating in the Scheme Area to which this EP Scheme relates, or which if implemented is calculated to increase patronage or meet other objectives within the EP Plan. |
| 11.8 | The Authority and where appropriate other participants in the EP Scheme may from time to time bring forward proposals for variations to the Standards of Service applied in this EP Scheme reflecting, in particular, variations to the Vehicle Standards and the Passenger Charter intended to facilitate the improvement of the quality of bus services operating in the Scheme Area or which if implemented is calculated to increase patronage or meet other objectives within the EP Plan. |
| 11.9 | All participants within the EP Board are accordingly encouraged to bring forward for consideration by the EP Board potential EP Scheme variations and the Board shall also have regard to proposals remitted to it by the EP Forum also established under the EP Plan. The proposer of a variation should demonstrate how the variation is expected to contribute to achieving the objectives set out in the EP Plan and current local transport policies. |
| 11.10 | Other variations to the EP Scheme may be brought forward where through the implementation of the variation any of the objectives of the EP Plan will be more effectively achieved or for the purpose of varying any other matter that is the subject of this EP Scheme. |
| 11.11 | All proposals for Variations shall be set out in writing and submitted to transport@reading.gov.uk. The administrator responsible for the conduct of the affairs of the EP Board shall provide copies of the proposal to all members of the Board within three working days of receipt of the proposal. |
| 11.12 | The EP Board shall be entitled to comment on proposals for variations to and new Facilities and Measures (or variations to or the removal of existing Facilities and or Measures) to be implemented under this EP Scheme proposed under the variation in accordance with the foregoing procedures. |
| 11.13 | Any proposal brought forward may require to be taken through the internal procedures of the Authority in the manner envisaged above and will in all cases include considerations of competition law, in particular to ensure that the competition test provided for at Part 1 to Schedule 10 of the 2000 Act is still satisfied |
| 11.14 | If there is a majority agreement (applying the Voting Scheme) the proposed variation is to be regarded as agreed by the EP Board and, if practicable, taken forward by the Authority to become a variation to the EP Scheme. The Authority in taking forward any variation shall have regard to any views expressed by the EP Board as to the timing of implementation of any revised Standards of Service that may form part of the proposed variation. |
| 11.15 | Should any Bus Operator with voting rights not be represented either by its nominated representative or any authorised substitute or with another party authorised to exercise its vote on a proxy basis, then the proposed variation shall be put to a vote (again applying the Voting Scheme under arrangements to be made by the Chair of the EP Board for votes to be given by email to be received by such date and time as the Chair (acting reasonably) determines. Should the votes cast present to the Chair a majority in number under the Voting Scheme the proposed variation shall be taken forward in the manner envisaged above. |
| 11.16 | In addition to the above bespoke variation procedure the Authority alone is entitled to progress any desired variations to this EP Scheme in accordance with the procedures set out at section 138L of the 2000 Act. |
| 12.1 | If the LTA or another member of the EP Board believes it is necessary to revoke the EP Scheme, the EP Board will be reconvened. If the decision is taken by majority agreement applying the Voting Scheme to revoke the EP Scheme the Authority will give consideration to and, if thought appropriate, apply the legislative procedures for revocation. |
| 12.2 | If at any point in the future, any area covered by this EP Scheme is included in a bus franchising scheme, the relevant requirements set out in this EP Scheme document will cease to apply to areas covered by the franchising scheme, in line with the arrangements set out in the franchising scheme. |
| 13.1 | Any Operator or other person wishing to communicate with the Enhanced Partnership concerning the administration of this EP Scheme should address the communication to Chairman of the Enhanced Partnership Board with a copy provided to the transport@reading.gov.uk inbox. |
Provided Facilities are set out in this Part 1 of Schedule 1. Upon additional funding having been secured and providing that the Authority has in place all necessary arrangements for the provision of any Additional Facility, that facility shall become one of the Provided Facilities proposed to be provided and referred to below, subject to detailed development and to funding being secured in order to implement the facility.
Facilities to continue to be provided by the Authority
Existing Facilities
The Authority has provided from the Commencement Date and will continue to provide the following bus priority measures:
| Category | Location |
| Bus Lanes | At locations identified in Appendix 4 to this EP Scheme |
| Bus priority at signalled junctions | At locations identified in Appendix 4 to this EP Scheme |
| South Reading Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor: South Reading BRT involves a series of bus priorities measures on the A33 between Reading town centre and the Mereoak P&R facility to the south of the M4. | At locations identified in Appendix 4 to this EP Scheme |
| Red Route: The ‘no stopping’ restrictions were introduced in 2017 to reduce delays to Route 17 and other bus routes on this corridor. This was the first Red Route to be delivered outside of London. | Reference information is available at Red Route – Reading Borough Council |
| References | Measure | New Facilities proposed to be implemented | Relevant date |
| Provision of improved Bus Stop infrastructure including higher specification and refurbished shelters, accessibility improvements including raised kerbs, and Real-Time Passenger Information (RTPI) displays at the busiest Bus Stops, delivered as part of the wider set of improvement to bus services through the QBC approach. The Authority will deliver a running programme of enhancements to bus stops in line with the recommendations from the service specification – see Measure (N1) below. The Relevant Date for any individual facility that is or forms part of a Bus stop that is improved shall be the date at which improvements made are implemented and a record of which will be maintained by the Authority. However, the EP Scheme document will not require a variation be made on each and every date that an improved facility is brought into use but shall be captured as part of the annual BSIP review. | |||
| B1 | Increase bus priority measures | The Authority will develop a detailed delivery programme of bus priority measures to assist with routes to and through Caversham and routes in west Reading, which are subject to traffic congestion and disruption | |
| B2 | Increase bus priority measures | The Authority will implement an outbound Bus Lane on A329 Oxford Road between Zinzan Street and George Street. | |
| B3 | Increase bus priority measures | The Authority will implement an outbound Bus Lane on A329 Oxford Road between Pangbourne Street and Norcot Junction. | |
| B4 | Increase bus priority measures | The Authority will implement an inbound Bus Lane on A327 Southampton Street from Pell Street to Oracle Roundabout. | |
| B5 | Increase bus priority measures | The Authority will implement an inbound Bus Lane on A4 London Road between borough boundary and Amity Road. | |
| B6 | Increase bus priority measures | The Authority will implement an inbound bus lane on A4 London Road from Sidmouth Street to London Street. | |
| B7 | Increase bus priority measures | The Authority will implement an outbound Bus Lane on A4 Bath Road from Circuit Lane to Granville Road. | |
| B8 | Increase bus priority measures | The Authority will introduce a package of bus signal priority measures at key junctions to complement new bus priority lanes. | |
| D1 | Consideration of bus rapid transport networks | The Authority will deliver phases 5 and 6 of Reading’s South Reading BRT scheme to build on the phases introduced to date. | |
| E2 | Integrate services with other transport modes | The Authority will improve access arrangements and passenger facilities at Mereoak Park and Ride | |
| S1 | Improve bus information | The Authority will review the location of on-street RTPI displays to ensure that information is supplied at the most useful locations such as busy town centre shops and existing and new park and ride and railway stations. | |
| S2 | Improve bus information | The Authority will update on-street RTPI displays in order to offer fully accessible information for people with a disability. |
| Ref No | Measure | Description of measure | Measure implementation date |
| A1 | Review service frequency | The Authority will work with Bus Operators on each key corridor to develop detailed proposals to improve on a commercially sustainable basis service frequency through the Enhanced Partnership arrangements. | From the Scheme Variation Date |
| A2 | Review service frequency | The Authority will work with Bus Operators to develop a plan aimed at adapting the network to embed future passenger growth by supporting socially and economically necessary services to enable longer-term bus travel behaviours to become a natural choice in Reading. | From the Scheme Variation Date |
| A7 | Review service frequency | The Authority will improve frequency of services between the redeveloped Rivermead Leisure Centre, the adjacent proposed new secondary school and residential areas. | In accordance with anticipated facility opening dates. |
| A8 | Review service frequency | The Authority will support the development of a new Park and Ride service for Royal Berkshire Hospital and University of Reading. | From the Scheme Variation Date |
| B1 | Increase bus priority measures | The Authority will develop a detailed delivery programme of bus priority measures to assist with routes to and through Caversham and routes in west Reading, which are subject to traffic congestion and disruption. | From the Scheme Variation Date |
| C1 | Increase demand responsive services | The Authority will work with Bus Operators to develop increased Demand Responsive Services as flexible extensions of existing routes including to enable more direct journeys from residential areas to workplaces and other destinations outside the town centre. | From the Scheme Variation Date |
| E1 | Integrate services with other transport modes | The Authority will work with Wokingham Borough Council to provide a service between Reading and the new Thames Valley Park P&R site. | From the Scheme Variation Date |
| E2 | Integrate services with other transport modes | The Authority will continue to review parking charges in Reading to ensure bus ticket pricing offers a competitive advantage. | From the Scheme Variation Date |
| F1 | Simplify services | The Authority will work with Bus Operators to develop a plan aimed at simplifying and developing services through the Enhanced Partnership arrangements. | From the Scheme Variation Date |
| F2 | Simplify services | The Authority will work with Bus Operators to develop a plan aimed at simplifying services to south Reading areas of employment and serving ‘out of town’ residential and commercial developments via fast BRT routes in partnership with Wokingham Borough Council. | From the Scheme Variation Date |
| G1 | Review socially necessary services | The Authority will work with Bus Operators to develop plans for socially necessary services through the Enhanced Partnership process. | From the Scheme Variation Date |
| G4 | Review socially necessary services | The Authority will extend route 42 from Rivermead to Tilehurst connecting residential areas to employment, education and leisure facilities. | In accordance with anticipated facility opening dates. |
| J1 | Simplify fares | The Authority will work with Bus Operators to review fares structures through the Enhanced Partnership arrangements. | From the Scheme Variation Date |
| K1 | Integrated ticketing between operators and transport modes | The Authority will, working with Bus Operators, introduce and promote a new multi-operator day travel ticket at a significantly discounted price to encourage significant growth in bus patronage and modal shift. This ticketing scheme will focus on reducing the cost of adult, young persons (up to age 18) and group day ticket travel within the wider Reading area, and will also see the introduction of a daily capped “tap-on, tap-off” multi operator ticket. The Authority and Operators will develop a joint marketing and communication plan and will promote both the ticketing scheme and the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) throughout the duration of the EP Scheme. | From the Scheme Variation Date |
| L1 | Invest in improved bus specifications | The Authority will work with Bus Operators to develop a preferred high specification for buses in Reading through the Enhanced Partnership arrangements. | From the Scheme Variation Date |
| L2 | Invest in improved bus specifications | The Authority will continue to work with Bus Operators to implement agreed accessibility improvements to further cater for wheelchair users and for parents and carers with pushchairs. | All ready in place |
| N1 | Protect personal safety of bus passengers | The Authority will develop a service specification for Bus Stop infrastructure throughout Reading. | From the Scheme Variation Date |
| N2 | Protect personal safety of bus passengers | The Authority will implement bus stop improvements at a number of bus stops across the EP area to improve passenger facilities. | From the Scheme Variation Date |
| O1 | Improve buses for tourists | The Authority will continue to work with event organisers to expand the provision of bus services serving events to persuade even more visitors to travel sustainably to these events. | From the Scheme Variation Date |
| Q1 | Passenger charter | The Authority will work with Bus Operators to develop and introduce a Passenger Charter alongside establishing the Enhanced Partnership arrangements including engagement in passenger feedback activities. | From the Scheme Variation Date |
| Q2 | Passenger charter | The Authority will work with neighbouring authorities to ensure alignment of our Passenger Charters. | From the Scheme Variation Date |
| Q4 | Passenger charter | The Authority will continue to regularly review progress and publication of targets as set out in the EP Plan / BSIP and will monitor the implementation of Facilities and Measures, and evaluate their effectiveness. | From the Scheme Variation Date |
| Communications Plan | The Authority will produce a communications plan, ensuring adherence to guidelines and requirements set by DfT, promoting all the schemes and initiatives being delivered by the Authority through the BSIP funding (Reading’s BSIP programme). This will include general communications on the delivery of bus priority and infrastructure schemes as well as, where appropriate, marketing individual initiatives such as the discounted ticketing scheme initiative and new services. The communication plan will be consulted on through the EP Board as well as being shared with DfT for comment and will be reviewed regularly over the course of Reading’s BSIP Programme.” | From the Scheme Variation Date | |
| The Authority shall work with Operators in the development and updating of BSIP and Enhanced Partnership branding and marketing materials, in formats to be developed by the Authority in consultation with the EP Board. | From the Scheme Variation Date | ||
| R1 | Strengthen network identity | The Authority will promote a strong network identity for services running in the borough including supporting the publication of a network map showing all Local Services and other relevant services. | From the Scheme Variation Date |
| T1 | Reading Town Centre bus enhancements | The Authority will work with Bus Operators to ensure best use of town centre Bus Stops and bus stands balancing provision of facilities for buses alongside other demands for kerb-space. | From the Scheme Variation Date |
| T2 | Reading Town Centre bus enhancements | The Authority will continue to work with Bus Operators and other stakeholders to ensure there is provision for expansion of existing bus services and frequencies and for new services to be developed such as BRT services. | Already in place |
| Traffic Control Services and public information | The Authority will investigate and pursue opportunities to work with Bus Operators and Thames Valley Police on a joint traffic control centre, including access to incoming CCTV and outgoing media updates. | From the Scheme Variation Date |
| Ref No | Requirement | Description | Standard Implementation Date |
| A1 | Review service frequency | Bus Operators will work with the Authority on each key corridor to develop detailed proposals to improve on a commercially sustainable basis service frequency through the Enhanced Partnership arrangements. | From the Scheme Variation Date |
| A2 | Review service frequency | Bus Operators will work with the Authority to develop a plan aimed at adapting the network to embed future passenger growth by supporting socially and economically necessary services to enable longer-term bus travel behaviours to become a natural choice in Reading. | From the Scheme Variation Date |
| Additional bus priority and other public transport infrastructure | Bus Operators will work with the Authority through the Partnership Board in the development of future bus priority and other infrastructure projects. | ||
| C1 | Increase demand responsive services | Bus Operators will work with the Authority to develop increased Demand Responsive Services as flexible extensions of existing routes including to enable more direct journeys from residential areas to workplaces and other destinations outside the town centre. | From the Scheme Variation Date |
| F1 | Simplify services | Bus Operators will work with the Authority to develop a plan aimed at simplifying and developing services through the Enhanced Partnership arrangements. | From the Scheme Variation Date |
| F2 | Simplify services | Bus Operators will work with the Authority to develop a plan aimed at simplifying services to south Reading areas of employment and serving ‘out of town’ residential and commercial developments via fast BRT routes in partnership with Wokingham Borough Council. | From the Scheme Variation Date |
| G1 | Review socially necessary services | Bus Operators will work with the Authority to develop plans for socially necessary services through the Enhanced Partnership process. | From the Scheme Variation Date |
| J1 | Simplify fares | Bus Operators will work with the Authority to review fares structures through the Enhanced Partnership arrangements. | From the Scheme Variation Date |
| K1 | Integrated ticketing between operators and transport modes | Bus Operators will work with the Authority to introduce and promote a new multi-operator day travel ticket at a significantly discounted price to encourage significant growth in bus patronage and modal shift. This ticketing scheme will focus on reducing the cost of adult, young persons (up to age 18) and group day ticket travel within the wider Reading area, and will also see the introduction of a daily capped “tap-on, tap-off” multi operator ticket. The Ticketing Scheme requires the Authority and all current and future Operators to be party to a commercially agreed Participation Agreement.. | From the Scheme Variation Date |
| L1 | Invest in improved bus specifications | Bus Operators will work with the Authority to develop a preferred high specification for buses in Reading through the Enhanced Partnership arrangements | From the Scheme Variation Date |
| L2 | Invest in improved bus specifications | Bus Operators will continue to work with the Authority to implement agreed accessibility improvements to further cater for wheelchair users and for parents and carers with pushchairs. | From the Scheme Variation Date |
| Q1 | Passenger charter | Bus Operators will work with the Authority to develop and introduce a Passenger Charter alongside establishing the Enhanced Partnership arrangements including engagement in passenger feedback activities. | From the Scheme Variation Date |
| T1 | Reading Town Centre bus enhancements | Bus Operators will continue to work with the Authority to ensure best use of town centre Bus Stops and bus stands balancing provision of facilities for buses alongside other demands for kerb space. | From the Scheme Variation Date |
| T2 | Reading Town Centre bus enhancements | Bus Operators will continue to work with the Authority and other stakeholders to ensure there is provision for expansion of existing bus services and frequencies and for new services to be developed such as BRT services. | From the Scheme Variation Date |
| Reinvestment of savings achieved by Operators | Reinvestment in the EP Scheme Area of Operator savings derived directly from this EP Scheme: Operators shall: (1) report to the Authority on Operator savings derived directly from this EP Scheme in accordance with paragraph 8.5 of this EP Scheme on an annual basis; and (2) implement reinvestment of Operator savings in a manner demonstrably for the benefit of Local Services provided within the Scheme Area Bus Operators shall work the Authority to develop and promote suitable branding and marketing of the BSIP Schemes in accordance with the requirements of the DfT guidelines. | From the Scheme Variation Date |
The following services are exempt from the requirements of the EP Scheme:
N.B. the requirements of the EP Scheme do apply to a service, or any part of a service provided under arrangements made under sections 89 to 91 of
the Transport Act 1985 in any case where the authority retains all the revenue from that service.
| Operator | Service No | Route | Day of Operation |
| Reading Buses | 1 | Reading to Newbury | Daily |
| Reading Buses | 2/2a | Reading to Mortimer & Tadley | Daily |
| Reading Buses | 3 | Reading to Arborfield & Wokingham | Daily |
| Reading Buses | X3 | Reading to Shinfield Park | Mon-Fri |
| Reading Buses | 4/X4 | Reading to Bracknell | Daily |
| Reading Buses | 5 | Reading to Northumberland Ave | Daily |
| Reading Buses | 6/6a | Reading to Whitley Wood & Tesco Depot | Daily |
| Reading Buses | 9 | Reading to Whitley Wood | Mon-Fri |
| Reading Buses | 10 | Reading to Kennet Island | Daily |
| Reading Buses | 11 | Reading to Coley Park | Daily |
| Reading Buses | 13/14 | Reading to Woodley circulars | Daily |
| Reading Buses | 15/15a | Reading to Dee Park, Calcot & Theale | Daily |
| Reading Buses | 16 | Reading to Purley | Daily |
| Reading Buses | 17 | Wokingham Road to Tilehurst Water Tower | Daily |
| Reading Buses | 19a/c | Reading to Loddon Bridge circulars | Mon-Sat |
| Reading Buses | 19b | Reading to Lower Earley | Mon-Sat |
| Reading Buses | 21/21a | Reading to University & Lower Earley | Daily |
| Reading Buses | 22 | Reading to Caversham Heights | Mon-Sat |
| Reading Buses | 23/24 | Reading to Emmer Green / Caversham Park circulars | Daily |
| Reading Buses | 25 | Reading to Peppard Common | Daily |
| Reading Buses | 26 | Reading to Calcot | Daily |
| Reading Buses | 27/29 | Reading to Lower Caversham | Daily |
| Reading Buses | 33 | Reading to Tilehurst & Little Heath | Daily |
| Reading Buses | 42 | Kenavon Drive to Rivermead | Mon-Sat |
| Reading Buses | 50 | Reading to Green Park | Mon-Sat |
| Reading Buses | 600 | Reading to Mereoak P&R and Spencers Wood, Shinfield & Riseley | Mon-Sat |
| Reading Buses | 702 | Reading to Legoland/Slough & London | Daily |
| Thames Valley Buses | 127-9 | Wokingham/Maidenhead to Reading | Mon-Sat |
| Arriva | 800/850 | High Wycombe to Reading | Daily |
| Oxford Bus Company | X39/40 | Oxford to Reading | Daily |
| Thames Travel | 143 | Goring/Upper Basildon to Reading | Mon-Sat |
Relating to the First Reading Borough Council Enhanced Partnership Scheme (“the Scheme”)
[Name of Operator] hereby undertakes to provide Local Services to the standards specified in the Scheme when using the Facilities.All terms used in this undertaking have the same meaning as those set out in the First Reading Borough Council Enhanced Partnership Scheme made on [insert date] and varied with effect from [
].
We confirm that we have executed and delivered to Reading Borough Council and to each Bus Operator that is a current party to the Participation Agreement dated [ ], a Deed of Adherence to that agreement.]
SIGNED
[insert name of Director of Operator Company]
[Title]
[Operator Company name]
DATE:
DRAFT BUS PASSENGER CHARTER – KEY ELEMENTS FOR INCLUSION
The Authority will develop in conjunction with the EP Board, and the Enhanced Partnership will introduce, a bus passenger charter to give passengers more of a voice and a say in the future of bus services in Reading, putting passengers at the centre of bus service improvements.
Bus Lanes and Gates
| North | Direction | Length approx (m) |
| Vastern Road, Caversham Road to Reading Bridge | east | 250 |
| Trooper Potts Way (North Interchange) | north | 100 |
| Trooper Potts Way (North Interchange) | south | 100 |
| Station North car park access | west | 125 |
| Hemdean Road inbound | south | 50 |
| Vastern Road Rly Bridge | north | 125 |
| Vastern Road Rly Bridge | south | 80 |
| 7 | 830 | |
| East | Direction | Length approx (m) |
| Kings Road, Back of Beyond to Forbury Rd | east | 40 |
| Kings Road, Prudential – Cemetery Junction | east | 700 |
| Kings Road, Cemetery Junction – Orts Road | west | 400 |
| Wokingham Road, Palmers Way to Eastern Ave | west | 400 |
| 4 | 1540 | |
| South | Direction | Length approx (m) |
| London Street inbound | north | 250 |
| London St outbound | south | 250 |
| London Road (London St to Kendrick Rd) | east | 250 |
| Southampton St inbound | north | 125 |
| Basingstoke Road Elgar Road approach | north | 100 |
| Basingstoke Road Rose Kiln Lane approach | north | 70 |
| Basingstoke Road Buckland Rd approach | south | 130 |
| Basingstoke Road Buckland Rd to Bennet Rd | south | 750 |
| Basingstoke Road Bennet Rd approach | north | 80 |
| Old Basingstoke Road towards J11 | south | 125 |
| J11 crossing | south | 800 |
| J11 crossing | north | 800 |
| Kenent Island bus gate | west | 15 |
| Kenent Island bus gate | east | 15 |
| South MRT Imperial Way – Little Lea | south | 300 |
| South MRT Bennet Rd – Imperial Way | south | 750 |
| South MRT Island Rd – Bennet Rd | south | 450 |
| South MRT Imperial Way – South Oak Way | north | 300 |
| South MRT Lindisfarne Way island | south | 10 |
| South MRT Fobney Meadows to Rose Kiln Lane South | south | 750 |
| South MRT after Kennet Bridge to Kennet Island | south | 225 |
| 21 | 6545 | |
| West | Direction | Length approx (m) |
| Bath Road Berkeley Ave to Lima Court | east | 650 |
| Bath Road outbound by Horncastle | west | 150 |
| Southcote Lane outbound from Bath Road | west | 25 |
| Southcote Lane inbound bus gate | east | 10 |
| Oxford Road inbound, Norcot Junction to Tidmarsh St | east | 175 |
| Oxford Road inbound (Bedford Rd) | east | 30 |
| 6 | 1040 | |
| Town Centre | Direction | Length approx (m) |
| Duke Street inbound | north | 130 |
| Duke Street outbound | south | 15 |
| Bridge Street inbound | north | 125 |
| Oracle roundabout and Bridge Street | north | 160 |
| St Marys Butts bus gate £ | north | 10 |
| Oxford Road Cheapside | east | 30 |
| Gun Street right turn | west | 30 |
| West Street | south | 125 |
| West Street right turn | north | 10 |
| Friar Street west outbound | west | 250 |
| Friar Street west bus gate £ | east | 10 |
| Blagrave Street /Station approach | west | 80 |
| Forbury bus gate £ | south | 25 |
| Minster Street bus gate £ | west | 15 |
| Stanshaw Rd bus gate | west | 15 |
| 15 | 1030 | |
| all bus lanes/gates total meters (approx) | 53 | 10985 |
Note: bus gates are shown as actual on road distance but the effect is to give a bus lane over a much longer length of road in the shadow beyond the gate.
Therefore;