COMMUTERS have been promised quicker and more reliable journey times ahead of the latest phase of a major transport scheme.

The third section of the South Reading Mass Rapid Transit will see work commence on a series of bus-only corridors throughout the town.

Funding of £10m was granted by the Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership and Reading Borough Council insisted there would be no loss of space for other vehicles.

Additional lanes are being implemented for public transport use only and all existing lanes for general traffic will be retained.

Councillor Tony Page, lead member of Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport, said: “These are the latest in a series of bus corridor improvements delivered by the council to make our bus services even more reliable and further speed up journey times.

“Reading is a busy town with a great many demands on limited road space. The only way we can alleviate those demands is by providing quick and reliable alternatives to the car which avoid delays and offer commuters an easy and realistic option.

“It is important to note any A33 lane closures will be off peak only and that the new bus lanes are being built by the council with no reduction in road capacity for other vehicles.”

Work will be carried out by the council's Highways Team in advance of the annual resurfacing programmed in the summer.

Key locations, including the inbound bus lane on Bridge Street, Oracle roundabout and London Street, will all be looked at as part of the next phase.

The first section of the bus lane on the A33 opened in December 2016 and work will move back to this area after the third phase is finished.

It is hoped the quicker journey times will encourage more people to use the Mereoak Park and Ride scheme.