Wokingham

The future of the popular Loddon Bridge Park and Ride service has been secured for another five years after Wokingham District Council’s decision-making executive approved the awarding of the tender.

Executive member for Wokingham corporate services Cllr Rob Stanton said: “We know that our residents value the Loddon Bridge Park and Ride service and in recent months we have been working hard to secure its immediate future.

“We’ve been through a very robust tendering process and I’m pleased that we can now announce Goldline Travel and Vinci Park (UK) Ltd as our partners for the next five years.”

The decision will allow for a continuity in service as Vinci Park have been running the parking service and Goldline the bus service for the last five years. The current contract will expire in February 2007 and the new contract will begin operation immediately with no break in service for residents.

Wokingham Cllr Stanton added: “This popular service will continue to carry people to and from Reading and I’m sure, particularly in the run-up to Christmas, people will be delighted to know it will continue for another five years.”

The park and ride runs from a site owned by Showcase cinema in Winnersh with buses to the Reading town centre every eight to ten minutes. Bus lanes and traffic lights give the service priority over other traffic, providing a fast-track into Reading. There is free parking for some 600 cars and the service runs Monday to Saturday. More details are available at www.wokingham.gov.uk

Wokingham District Council