A report providing the Committee with an update on progress with the delivery of the current programme of strategic transport schemes in Reading.

The Executive Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report providing an update on the progress with delivery of the current programme of major transport projects in Reading, which were as follows:

·         Bus Service Improvement Plan Programme

·         South Reading Mass Rapid Transit

·         Reading Green Park Station

·         Reading West Station Upgrade

·         Tilehurst Station Upgrade

·         Active Travel Fund Tranche 2 – Shinfield Road

·         Active Travel Fund Tranche 3 – Bath Road

·         Active Travel Capability Fund

·         School Streets Programme

The report stated that in respect of the Bus Service Improvement Plan Programme (BSIP), detailed discussions had taken place with DfT officials that had resulted in the Enhanced Partnership (EP) Board agreeing an EP Variation in December 2022, which set out more detail on the various schemes and initiatives to be delivered with the initial phase of Government funding.  Subsequently, the DfT had confirmed the full funding allocation of £26.263m to Reading in January 2023 which meant delivery of the programme could commence.  The overall grant had consisted of £15.939m capital and £10.324m revenue funding.  The BSIP programme included a range of capital and revenue measures to encourage passenger usage in Reading.  The EP Scheme Variation set out the commitment to deliver, in partnership with operators, and the schemes that the DfT had awarded grant funding for, these were set out in the report with the capital schemes being subject to public consultation.  The initial focus of work had been on developing a multi-operator fares discount ticketing scheme, preparing designs for the next phase of works for the South Reading MRT scheme, working with the Royal Berkshire Hospital on improvements to their shuttle services running from Mereoak and Thames Valley Park and Ride sites, and preparing the procurement documentation to appoint an operator for the continued provision of contracted Route 9 services in south Reading.  Detailed work had also been carried out with the local operators through the EP arrangements to develop and agree the fares discount scheme which had been launched on 13 March 2023.

Construction works for Reading Green Park Station and multi-modal interchange were substantially complete and, therefore, supported by partners from the railway industry, the project had entered a period of thorough testing and authorisation prior to its official opening.  The Council was working with Network Rail and GWR to ensure that the station was open as soon as possible and a further announcement was expected shortly to confirm details, however, this was subject to the final approvals being secured and GWR’s fit out of the station building being completed.  The upgrade of Reading West Station had seen GWR take possession of the southern footway of the Oxford Road entrance.  Construction works for the new passenger building on the Oxford Road and works to deliver a new entrance and gateline at the Tilehurst Road entrance were progressing well.  The overall project was currently projected to be completed by late spring 2023.

Delivery of the Shinfield Road cycle lane scheme, being carried out as part of the Tranche 2 Active Trave Fund Programme, was progressing well on-site, with the initial construction works having started at the University/Christchurch Green end of the route.  The work was being carried out predominately by the Council’s in-house Highways delivery team, however, due to resource limitations, a degree of sub-contracting had been required, this was being reviewed on an on-going basis.  An indicative timeline for delivery was set out in the report and a timeline had also been included in respect of the Bath Road scheme.

Finally, the report explained that the Council had been awarded a further £124,250 from the Active Travel Capability Fund in 2022/23 and that this, and the previous award of £249,454, were the full indicative funding award available to Reading subject to a successful funding proposal.  This was revenue grant funding to enable a programme of schemes and initiatives to be developed and delivered that were aimed at supported a shift in travel behaviour to active travel, to complement the segregated route facilities that were being delivered through the Active Travel Fund capital grant funding.  In addition, the funding had been extended to support the Innovation Valley Rewards App which encouraged the use of sustainable travel through earning points for walking, running, cycling, bus or train travel.  Once users started earning points they could be redeemed for vouchers at high street stores, restaurants and supermarkets, or donating to charity. 

Resolved:

(1)     That the progress made on the delivery of the current programme of strategic transport schemes as outlined in the report be noted;

(2)     That confirmation had been secured from the Department for Transport for the full allocation of £26.263m grant funding for the Bus Service Improvement Plan and that this represented the third highest funding award (by head of population) in the country, be noted;

(3)     That the funding award of £124,250 from the Active Travel Capability Fund 2022/23, which would enable the continuation of the Council’s programme of revenue initiatives to encourage walking and cycling as set out in the report, be noted.