Stark figures have laid bare the massive decline of Slough's bus network.

New research by Friends of the Earth and the University of Leeds, which involved a huge and complex analysis of all available local and national timetable data in England and Wales over the last 15 years, has shown that while London has had an almost constant level of bus provision, many other parts of the country have seen declines of more than two-thirds.

Since 2010, bus service trips per hour in Slough have declined by 56.3 per cent. In 2010 there were 139 trips per hour and in 2023 there were 61.

Windsor and Maidenhead have also seen a huge decline in its bus services, with 70.5 per cent less bus services than 2010.

First Bus operates some of the provisions in the area, working closely with Slough Council.

A spokesperson said: "Customer demand and the way people are travelling, working, and shopping has changed enormously since the pandemic, which has impacted passenger numbers.

"These numbers are still not at pre-pandemic levels. For this reason, counting routes doesn’t give a full picture of bus usage, looking at mileage is a better comparison.  

"The effect the pandemic has had on services, as well as rising costs due to inflationary pressures, has meant we have had to reassess all of our bus networks.

"Ultimately, the wider bus network is not sustainable if we continue operating some services that don’t have enough customers to cover costs.  

"We use real-time passenger data to understand where people are travelling and adjust our networks and services to better meet the needs of as many customers as we can.

"For example, we have actually increased services, including the likes of the A4 service from Slough to Heathrow."

Slough Borough Council have been approached for comment.

Thames Valley Buses began operating in the area in 2019 and have increased their provision and the number of journeys operating on route 12 on Sundays and 703.

Last year the company also increased journeys on route 5.

However, members of the public don't think the bus provision in Slough is good enough.

Henna Saini said: "[There is a] desperate need for more bus services, people who don't have cars, can't drive or can't afford cars are dependent on public transport."

While Patty O'Taebel slammed the current service as "appalling" and "completely unreliable for disabled or elderly passengers".

Jo-Ann Hart typically waits 45 minutes for a bus to work.

"Not enough buses, too many bus lanes," said Rich Goulden.

Meanwhile, Kim Murtagh said: "The changing bus timetables actually benefited me, The A4 from Cippenham to Heathrow pretty much runs 24 hours.

"I start work really early and am now able to get the bus from the end of my road instead of walking half an hour to the train station. I do understand other's frustrations."