Readibus service returns to village for six-month trial

THE Readibus service is returning to Goring on a trial basis from next month.

It was withdrawn in March due to the dwindling number of passengers.

Now it is returning in a partnership agreed by Goring Parish Council and the Mobility Issues Group for Goring and Streatley.

It will run once a month for six months during which usage will be assessed. The door-to-door service allows elderly and mobility impaired passengers to go to Reading and is free for those who have a national bus pass.

John Boler, chairman of MIGGS, said: “It got to a stage where there were only three people travelling when the bus had a capacity for nine, so it just wasn’t economically feasible.

“With a reduced service in theory there should be six people guaranteed. With the closing of banks in small villages and towns this service is essential for those who are elderly and don’t have access to online banking.

“It’s nice for people to gain some independence back whether going to the opticians or buying some bits from M&S.

“The service was hit by the pandemic with a reduction in demand and need for social distancing. The service is run on a shoestring and for that I give Readibus a lot of credit, particularly after Oxfordshire County Council withdrew its funding from it in 2010.

“MIGGS has raised more than £6,000 since then to help fund the service.”

Mr Boler said that with more publicity and awareness of the service, the trial could be a success.

Advance booking is required. Call Readibus on 0118 931 0000.