Number 33 Bus Route Survey

The issue:

Residents living on the ‘Birds Estate’ in Tilehurst expressed concerns about the impact that passing buses on local roads (along the number 33 Bus route) were having with their vibrations potentially impacting on the foundations of local homes. Some residents reported cracks developing along the internal walls in their houses, which they believe may have been impacted by vibrations from passing buses.

Achievements in the campaign:

  • Alok met with some of the residents who had raised concerns with representatives from Reading Buses and West Berkshire Council, where Reading Buses agreed to further discussions about potentially amending the 33 bus route.
  • Residents living on the Birds Estate were delivered a survey by post on the 33 bus route during March 2013 to help understand the possible impact that amending the route would have on residents in the Birds Estate area.
  • A majority of respondents to the survey said that a revised route which followed an anti-clockwise loop via Little Heath Road, City Road and Hildens Drive would not cause them difficulties.

Next Steps:

Alok agreed to pass on the results of the survey to Reading Buses and West Berkshire Council, who have subsequently decided to amend the bus route. Some residents, particularly those living on Garston Park, expressed concerns about the removal of the bus service from the Birds Estate, so the bus will continue to serve City Road and a bus stop will remain located within a few yards of the entrance of Bitterne Avenue.

The changes being made mean that the 33 bus will no longer drive down Bitterne Avenue, Partridge Drive and Curlew Drive. Instead, Reading Buses will introduce an anti-clockwise loop from Lower Elmstone Drive, via Chapel Hill, Little Heath Road, City Road and Hildens Drive.

Alok says:

“I hope that residents will agree that this is a fair compromise, which has been agreed by Reading Buses. The Birds Estate will continue to be served by a regular bus service stopping on City Road, but this solution will provide some relief to residents concerned about vibrations caused by passing buses.”