Wokingham Borough Connect
 Working towards a sustainable future for buses
We're putting our contracts with local bus operators out to tender so that services which aren't commercially viable, and therefore rely on financial support from us, can continue.
The existing contracts, currently held by Thames Valley Buses and Reading Buses, have reached their natural end. By keeping them going from April next year onwards, we'll be able to meet our goals of reducing congestion and social exclusion while tackling the climate emergency and improving air quality.
At a meeting on 29 September, our decision-making executive agreed to go out to tender for the existing routes which serve Wokingham town and surrounding villages as well as those serving the villages to the south of M4, the existing evening and Sunday journeys to Arborfield and existing services in the Woodley and Earley areas.
Operators will be asked to offer the same level of service that was running as of 5 September this year and within our existing budget. We expect to evaluate bids shortly before Christmas and award the new tenders early in the new year.
Bus services face enormous pressures, including reduced passenger numbers after Covid-19 and rising fuel costs, but we're doing all we can to save them because of their enormous social and environmental benefits. We urge all residents to use them wherever possible to ensure they have the best chance of surviving.
 Update on The Ridges
Works to repair The Ridges are well underway, and are on track to be completed this November.
After sections of The Ridges started to collapse, a long-term solution was needed to prevent it from happening again. It is a complex project, involving a range of technical disciplines to identify the right solution, considering long term stability, disruption during construction, land availability, value for money and the environmental impacts (including tree retention and carbon impacts).
Soil nails were chosen as the best option, and the contractors that won the tender for the work began in July.
 Upcoming events with My Journey Wokingham
Don't forget about all the great events My Journey Wokingham has to offer! Further information and how to book can all be found on our website here.
- Bikeability Learn to Ride sessions (£6) at FBC in Finchampstead on Wednesdays and Woodford Park Leisure Centre in Woodley on Thursdays
- FREE Balance Bike Clubs both at FBC on Wednesdays and Woodford Park Leisure Centre on Thursdays
- Woky Wheels 4 All at FBC in Finchampstead on Thursdays
- Adult Cycle Training for Beginners/Improvers (£6) at Woodford Park Leisure Centre on Saturday mornings
- Nature Walk with Thames Basins Heath Partnership, My Journey and FREE Dr Bike checks at Rooks Nest Wood Country Park on Saturday, 8 October
- Twyford Fun Run - My Journey and Dr Bike on Sunday, 9 October
- Animal trail at Sambourne Playground, Montague Park, Wokingham from 2 to 30 October
- Animal trail at Fullbrook Playground, Croft Gardens, Shinfield from 2 to 30 October
- My Journey and Dr Bike at Calver Close, Winnersh on 17 October
- My Journey and Dr Bike at Arborfield Community Centre, Arborfield on 25 October
- My Journey and Dr Bike at Finchwood Park Sales Office Car Park, Finchampstead on 27 October
Rail strike this weekend
A further rail strike is planned for this Saturday (8 October), so make sure you check before you travel. More information can be found on the https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/service_disruptions/306355.aspx website.
 Upcoming roadworks
Aborfield
2-way lights – Eversley Road
The lights will be in place between its junction of Nine Mile Ride Extension and Poperinghe Way, from 10 to 12 October. This is to allow BT to replace a telegraph pole. https://one.network/?GB130940903
Crowthorne
Multi-way lights – Ellis Road
These lights will be in place at the junction with Old Wokingham Road, on 14 October 9.30am to 4pm. This is to install a new signpost. https://one.network/?GB131057372
Finchampstead
Multi-way lights – Barkham Ride, Finchampstead
These lights will be in place at the junction with Finchampstead Road, on 7 October, 9.30am to 4pm. This is to replace a man-hole cover.
https://one.network/?GB131113668
Multi-way lights – Nine Mile Ride
These lights will be in place between its junction with Warren Lane and White Horse Lane, on 12 October 9.30am to 4pm. This is to carry out a new connection to a bus shelter.
https://one.network/?GB131056449
Sindlesham
2-way lights – Mole Road
The lights will be in place between its junction of Copse Barn Hill Lane and Parkcorner Lane from, 10 to 12 October. This is to allow BT to replace telegraph pole.
https://one.network/?GB130941000
Winnersh
Multi-way lights – Robinhood Lane, Winnersh
These lights will be in place opposite Arbor Lane, on 14 October 9.30am to 4pm. This is to carry out disconnection and removal of column.
https://one.network/?GB131057291
Wokingham
2-way lights – Matthewsgreen Road
The lights will be in place between its junction of Trinder Road and Eamer Crescent, from 5 to 11 October. This is to allow SGN to carry out new connection works.
https://one.network/?GB130869943
Multi-way lights – Old Forest Road
These lights will be in place between its junction of Lowther Road and Lenham Close, on 6 October, 9.30am to 4pm. This is to carry out installation of new 6m columns.
https://one.network/?GB131049228
Keeping up to date
- For planned and emergency roadworks, follow our Twitter and Facebook pages
- To find out about roadworks near you, visit One.network
- For active and sustainable travel, including events, training and resources, visit MyJourney Wokingham
- Visit our major new roads page for plans and updates
- For information on re-surfacing and reactive carriageway repairs visit our pothole and road repairs page
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You can report any issues with roads and streets online, including street lights, problems with traffic lights, potholes, damaged street furniture, problems with road markings and removal of dead animals.
- On our parking and permits page, you can find information including car parks and costs around the borough, resident parking permits, park and ride services and appealing a parking fine.
- Our transport and travel page includes information on applying for a senior citizen or disabled person's bus and train pass and local public transport information.
- The blue parking badges page has information on applying for, using, replacing and returning your blue badge.
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