Plans to combine Reading Buses’ Thames Valley and Courtney Buses’ operations in Windsor and Slough have been announced.
As the second anniversary of Reading Buses introduction of its Thames Valley services in Slough approaches, changes to take place from 3 November will see an improved offer to customers.
Courtney Buses routes 2, 10, 10a, 10s and 15 will take on an updated Thames Valley Buses brand, along with existing route 5.
The changes will also see a new hourly daytime service on route 10 from Dedworth and Windsor to Heathrow Airport which has been developed in partnership with Heathrow Airport.
Route 10 will incorporate current route 11 and includes additional early morning connections to Heathrow, providing a 19 hours a day operation.
Route 2 will be co-ordinated with route 10 to provide an even 30 minute frequency between Dedworth and Windsor and hourly on to Slough.
There will be minor early morning timetable changes on route 5 Slough-Chalvey-Cippenham and 15 Slough–Eton Wick–Maidenhead to improve reliability.
The new Thames Valley Buses brand will also announce the introduction of new integrated single and return fares between routes 2, 10, 15 and Green Line 702/703. In combination these provide three buses an hour between Windsor and Slough and Windsor and Dedworth.
There will be a new simplySlough&Windsor ticket zone including Heathrow Airport, and excluding Legoland. This will include simplified pricing for adults and Boost – the Reading Buses product for ages 18 and under – being introduced on Thames Valley Buses routes 2, 5, 10, 15 and Green Line 702/703.
The Thames Valley brand was reintroduced by Reading Buses in January 2018 for its new local services in Slough. Designed by Best Impressions, the latest livery will feature a base grey with a valley of colour, and a different colour for each route or group of routes.
The new branding also reflects the Courtney identity with a re-styled bird motif.
Buses will start appearing in the new colours in October in advance of the changes.
Said Reading Buses Chief Executive Officer Robert Williams: “Our plan is to re-brand Courtney Buses as Thames Valley Buses in areas over the next few years.
“The starting point in Slough has come about as part of a project to enhance services to Heathrow Airport, co-ordinate timetables between Dedworth and Windsor and fares between Windsor and Slough.
“To that end a new simplyWindsor&Slough ticket zone will be introduced on common sections of route including Heathrow.”
