TRANSPORT chiefs have back-tracked on controversial proposals to scrap a popular bus route following pressure from residents.

Reading Buses recently announced plans to axe its Pink 24 bus through Caversham because the service is haemorrhaging cash.

But the plans sparked fury amongst residents and campaigners with many voicing concerns about elderly residents not being able to travel to vital services.

Now, the transport firm plans to introduce a brand new Pink 24 route, specifically designed for the elderly and people travelling in off peak hours.

A spokesman said: "The changes themselves are necessary to reduce costs as the current routes are losing money.

"The proposed changes, say Reading Buses, are designed to get the routes onto stable financial foundations for the future.

"The initial proposals would have seen some lightly used bus stops (in the region of 0-5 passenger boardings per day) taken out of service due to lack of use.

"The company says it has listened loud and clear to a number of concerns raised by Caversham residents, particularly concerns over serving the older population and access to the GP surgeries, and Caversham Centre from Caversham Park."

Other changes to the original consultation, which runs until November 10, include the Pink 22 bus to serve Woodcote Road and Highmoor Road.

However, campaigner Fiona Pringle said there are still concerns about the proposals.

She added: "We are pleased Reading Buses is willing to be flexible however they are not doing as requested.

"We want them to halt the consultation and go back to the drawing board with various residents' associations.

"These changes only address a tiny fraction of the concerns that have been raised."

Mrs Pringle said there are fears the off peak Pink 24 proposals could mean people will face travel times of up to two hours to reach Royal Berkshire Hospital.

She continued: "In terms of the Pink 22, the new plans only solve the issue for four of the 10 bus stops which were originally planned to be cut.

"There are still six stops that won't receive a viable service to get to Reading or Caversham [town centre].

"For someone going to Royal Berkshire Hospital they will be reuired to go on three separate buses."

A petition against the proposed changes can be found at http://bit.ly/2yqr83x It has so far reached more than 1,000 signatures.

Reading Buses stated the changes will not come in to force before February next year.