Reading Buses responds to complaints that its drivers do not consistently use designated bus lanes on the A33.
A council member and taxi association chairman spoke out. They noticed buses not always using these lanes. Reading Buses responded to these concerns. Their buses use the A33 bus lanes when fitting.
Some bus routes turn off the A33. For example, route 50 turns to Green Park. Buses turning right must leave the lane and need space to turn. Drivers merge when safe, for everyone’s benefit.
Bus lanes include bus stops. Many passengers use these A33 stops. Without the lanes, buses would block traffic. More bus lane sections are coming and this will also add more bus stops.
A resident also complained about bus lanes. This resident focused on the B3031 Basingstoke Road, which runs parallel to the A33. This person stays anonymous.
They commute daily on Basingstoke Road between Bennet Road and Hartland Road. They have been observing for six months, specifically during office commute times.
Buses and taxis often avoid the bus lane, using the regular road instead. This defeats the purpose of having a bus lane and creates longer traffic jams for everyone.
The resident wants the council to fix this and suggested changing the lane and junction. They mean the area of Basingstoke Road and Bennet Road, hoping this could improve traffic flow.
That junction often gets congested, especially during the evening rush. A transport officer said they are looking at it and might adjust the junction sometime. But there are no confirmed plans yet.
The Basingstoke Road has bus lanes. Southbound, they run from Rose Kiln Lane to Bennet Road. Northbound, they go from Acre Road to Bennet Road.