Reading Buses

Advantages: Excellent service, quite inexpensive
Disadvantages: No on-board refreshments?

...It is disappointing to read so many negative reviews of Arriva. In the Aylesbury Vale area, the buses were formerly operated by the local council, under the name of Aylesbury & The Vale. The bus service was fairly poor, buses were in a terrible state, as was the bus station. Arriva took over a couple of years ago and invested heavily in the buses to bring them up-to-date. They improved the bus station, revised timetables to make more frequent services, and didn't raise prices. The bus station now has screens (similar to a train station) on which you can easily see when the next bus is to wherever you want to go. Rural services have been drastically improved. Most routes now have new buses which are just as comfortable as trains. All in all, Arriva have made major improvements to our local bus service, have encouraged more bus users... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: See text
Disadvantages: See text

...Although this review comes under public transport, it is in fact on one particular area - namely, buses. And yes, I hear the groans going through you all as you read this too. But as I have had to rely on the joys of public transport since about October, I feel that I am able to talk about it with freedom now. The pros of public transport (buses): Dependant on where you live, you can get a bus to most places within most hours between 0500 and 2300 (5 am and 11 pm for those of you who don't yet use the 24 hour clock for some odd reason you freaks!). Cheaper than getting a taxi, by up to as much as 70% in some cases by my standards. Again depending on where you live, there may be a variety of not only buses but also operators to where you are headed - offering you a good value for service. Cons for public transport (buses... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: quicker than walking sometimes, my dad drives ffor another branch of this company
Disadvantages: the price, nightbus service

.... This is quite expensive especially since some of the bus companies are charging half the price on the Wimslow Road route that is the same distance. The best way to get round this is to get a Mega rider. For £7.80 a week you get unlimited travel. If you are not in every day a day ticket costing £2.60 for StageCoach buses or £3.30 if you require other bus companies. The buses. As said it depends on the bus. Some are quite nice but some of the older ones are a bit manky. There are always Metros lying on the floor after everyone has read them. Some of the buses definitely need a good clean. The drivers. Again these vary. Some of them are grumpy old men who drive past you when you are obviously waiting at the p bus stop or will not let you off at your chosen bus stop some of them are nice polite helpful, even cheerful bus drivers. I can assure you my... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful