SEVERAL bus routes have been suspended in West Berkshire “until further notice”, while other routes have had their timetables reduced.

The coronavirus outbreak has disrupted public transport across the district, with people not allowed to travel unless essential.

However, those with free bus passes can now travel on all services in West Berkshire before 9.30am, so vulnerable people who aren’t self-isolating can shop for food early in the morning.

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The services which have been cancelled are: 

  • 5, 5a and 5c from Newbury to downlands villages.
  • 41 serving Newbury, Thatcham, Chapel Row and Theale.
  • 44 serving Thatcham, Brimpton, Tadley, Aldermaston and Beenham.
  • 47 between Lambourn and Swindon.
  • 75 serving Theale, Beenham and Newbury.
  • 154 from Beech Hill to Reading.
  • H1 Hungerford Town Service.

A spokesman for West Berkshire Council warned that further changes may happen at short notice.

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Key workers who usually use a council-run bus, but whose service isn’t running, can contact the Covid-19 community support hub on westberksbct@westberks.gov.uk or 01635 503 579. 

But the council spokesman added: “Please in the first instance try to arrange alternative transport such as a household member giving you a lift or calling a taxi.”

Elsewhere, Going Forward Buses services M1, 133 and 142 in Pangbourne and Streatley have stopped running. 

Reading Buses is operating a Saturday timetable on the Jet Black 1, Lime 2/a and Reding local services. The Jet Black is still going to Arlington Business Park.