Reading Discussions on Inter-working
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XPLORAFORY discussions on some degree of integration are being held between Reading Transport Department anti the Thames Valley Traction Co., ltd. Considerable local interest has been aroused by the suggestion that a form of merger might result in more frequent and, perhaps, cheaper bus services.
At present, the municipal undertaking serves the public within its own boundaries. Thames Valley operate a fleet of more than 300 buses, many of them based on Reading, covering a wide country area. The company are obliged to charge a " protective fare" within the borough boundary.
It is hoped that an inter-working scheme would result in the removal of the protective fare arrangements and, at the same time, allow corporation buses to operate farther afield. A reduction in running costs of both operators might well be reflected in lower fare scales.
Although the first hint, of a proposed merger of interests came six months ago, it is understood that, at present, talks have progressed little beyond the preliminary stage.