The park and ride service from Loddon Bridge in Winnersh to Reading town centre could be running until February 2013, if Wokingham Borough Council’s executive approves a 12-month extension to the contract.

At its meeting on Thursday November 24, the executive will be asked to agree to extend the current contract, which is set to end on February 4, 2012. The proposal recognises the value residents put on this local service. 

The current park and ride site at Loddon Bridge has been in operation for over 15 years. It is close to the A329(M) and provides a 15-minute express service into Reading for around 358,000 people each year. The service provides not just transport into central Reading but all day parking in a securely managed and monitored car park. 

Wokingham Borough Council and Reading Borough Council are each considering a subsidy of £60k for the park and ride to allow the service to continue for another year. Wokingham Borough Council is working on a park and ride policy and the one-year extension to the contract will allow this work to be completed. 

Cllr Keith Baker, executive member for transport, said: "It was never our desire for the park and ride to close despite what has been reported. Park and ride services are worthwhile facilities for residents, offering convenience of travel and helping to reduce the number of cars on the road. In the current climate we’re conscious of every penny spent by the council, but this extension to the contract will allow a valuable community service to continue. 

"The extra year would also give us time to complete our park and ride policy which will map out our aspirations for the future of park and ride facilities in the Borough."