Vital Reading Readibus service set to get contract renewal

The council will vote on whether to add another two years onto Readibus’ contract on Monday.

Readibus is a dial-a-ride bus service offering transport for people with restricted mobility in and around Reading.

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Reading councillors will vote on whether to approve the contract extension at Monday’s Policy committee.

In papers ahead of the meeting, council officers said the contract extension is recommended “as a result of the high level of performance in fulfilling the contract requirements to date and the good value for money demonstrated when benchmarked against similar operations”.

A registered charity, ReadiBus is supported by community grants from local authorities as well as through individual fundraising and legacies.

ReadiBus service praised by regular Woodley user - Picture: Woodley Town Council

The contract between Reading Borough Council (RBC) and Readibus includes the dial-a-ride service for people of all ages who cannot make use of mainstream bus services.

The ReadiBus dial-a-ride bus service is free for Access and Older Person Pass holders in Reading and for those with companion passes who are travelling with disabled people.

In 2018, this aspect of the service was put under threat but the council reversed proposals to reduce the times during which these passes could be used in 2019.

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Readibus also provides for council services including adult social care and social services transport.

As well as voting on renewing the contract, the committee are also set o approve undertaking a review to establish what is needed in the community from April 2023 onwards, when the next contract would end.