Changes include an increase in peak frequency on the popular Number 8 route from Slough to Heathrow, as well as the addition of an early morning journey at 5.36am on Mon-Fri to help workers on early shifts.
The upcoming network changes have been designed to improve punctuality on the bus network, helping passengers' journeys and keeping Berkshire moving. They also take into account customer and driver feedback, making the most of local knowledge and expertise, to provide the most efficient bus services in Berkshire.
First Beeline changes:
RailAir has announced fare changes for its RA1 (Reading-Heathrow), RA2 (Guildford and Woking - Heathrow, and RA3 (Watford- Heathrow) services.
The popular RailAir coach services carry more than 440,000 passengers a year, linking key locations across the South East to Heathrow Airport.
The majority of RailAir fares have remained unchanged for the last five years, and while some fares will rise to reflect rising inflationary pressures, the range of tickets will be simplified, including new ticket options to reflect customer needs.
Created using feedback from bus users, as well as First Wessex drivers, the changes include the retiming of the morning service for Weymouth College students, with the first journey from Beaminster timed to help students connect at Bridport.
In partnership with Dorset Council, the trial diversion of the X51 to serve Martinstown and Winterbourne Steepleton will also continue during the winter season. Passenger numbers will continue to be reviewed to assess the route’s long-term viability.
In partnership Portsmouth Council, First Solent buses have created a dedicated Park & Ride service – the PR4 - for participants, spectators, and supporters. To get runners into the city, the PR4 service will run direct, throughout the weekend from the Portsmouth P&R site at Tipner, to Clarence Pier in Southsea.
On both days, the bus operator will give free bus travel across its routes in Berkshire, Hampshire, Dorset, Somerset and Cornwall to the Armed Forces community - serving troops, veterans, and cadets.
First Bus South operates First Solent, First Wessex, Buses of Somerset, Cornwall by Kernow, and Beeline routes, which will all provide free travel for forces veterans to attend commemorative events to remember the service and sacrifice of their comrades.
Buses of Somerset has begun work to electrify its Taunton and Minehead depots, ready to operate 26 brand new electric buses from Spring 2025.
The works will create electric vehicle charging infrastructure as well as upgrading the bus depots in Taunton and Minehead.
Once complete, the electric ready depots will enable a fleet of 26 double and single decker electric buses to run across Buses of Somerset’s routes, bringing cleaner, greener travel for local people.
Local bus operator, Buses of Somerset is launching Tap on Tap off (TOTO) technology across its routes in Somerset to provide customers with easy contactless payments.
From Sunday 1 December, customers traveling on Buses of Somerset routes in Somerset will be able to use their contactless device - bank card, smartphone or smartwatch - to pay for travel. The technology will also launch for First Wessex bus routes in neighbouring Dorset.
Local bus operator First Wessex is launching Tap on Tap off (TOTO) technology across its routes in Dorset to provide customers with easy contactless payments.
From Sunday 1 December, customers traveling on First Wessex routes in Dorset will be able to use their contactless device - bank card, smartphone or smartwatch - to pay for travel. The technology will also launch for Buses of Somerset bus routes in neighbouring Somerset.
The special ‘5 for £5’ return ticket, will be valid for any five people of any age going to the panto performances at Kings Theatre over the Christmas period, making getting there by bus only £1 return per person.
Theatre goers will be able to purchase the ticket directly from the driver, two hours before the start of the performance and it will be valid for two hours after the curtain closes.