Project to improve access across southern Reading finished – BBC

Report on the South Reading Transport Initiative and its Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Project Summary

The fifth phase of the South Reading Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme has been successfully completed. This infrastructure project was designed to enhance public transport connectivity between the southern part of the town and the town centre. The initiative’s completion marks a significant step towards creating a more sustainable urban environment in line with global development objectives.

2.0 Direct Contributions to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The project’s core components directly address the targets outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

• Target 11.2 (Affordable and Sustainable Transport Systems): The scheme significantly enhances the public transport network by extending bus lanes and adding new bus stops. This improves the efficiency and reliability of bus services along the A33 corridor, providing a sustainable alternative to private vehicles for commuters travelling to key areas such as Kennet Island, Green Park, and Mereoak Park and Ride.
• Target 11.7 (Access to Safe and Inclusive Public Spaces): A key outcome of the project is the construction of a new bridge over the River Kennet, dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists. This provides safe, accessible, and green transport infrastructure, encouraging active travel and improving connectivity for non-motorised users.
• Target 11.6 (Reduce Environmental Impact of Cities): By improving the appeal and efficiency of public transport and active travel, the project is projected to reduce the number of private cars on the road. This directly contributes to lowering urban air pollution and the city’s overall carbon footprint.

3.0 Wider Impacts on Sustainable Development Goals

Beyond its primary focus on urban sustainability, the project contributes to several other interconnected SDGs.

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The new pedestrian and cycle bridge promotes active lifestyles, which is crucial for physical and mental health. Furthermore, by reducing traffic congestion and vehicle emissions, the initiative helps improve local air quality, mitigating health risks associated with pollution.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: This project represents the development of quality, reliable, and sustainable infrastructure. The creation of a dedicated bus lane without reducing the carriageway for general traffic showcases innovative urban planning designed to support economic activity and human well-being simultaneously.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action: The scheme is a tangible local action to combat climate change. Encouraging a modal shift from private cars to public transport, cycling, and walking directly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with national and international climate objectives.

4.0 Official Assessment and Projected Outcomes

According to John Ennis, Reading Council’s lead councillor for climate strategy and transport, the project’s completion is “great news.” He highlighted that the initiative successfully provides cyclists and pedestrians with superior infrastructure. Historical data from previous BRT phases demonstrates a clear correlation between improved bus service reliability and increased patronage. This trend is expected to continue, leading to a further reduction in private vehicle use and associated traffic congestion, thereby reinforcing the project’s alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  The article discusses the completion of a major infrastructure project, the “South Reading Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme,” which includes extended bus lanes, new bus stops, and a new pedestrian and cycle bridge. This directly relates to building resilient and sustainable infrastructure to support communities.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The core focus of the project is to “improve public transport links across a town.” By creating better bus services and providing safe infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, the project aims to make the city’s transport system more sustainable, accessible, and safe for its residents.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  The article connects the transport project to the town’s climate strategy. John Ennis, the “lead councillor for climate strategy and transport,” highlights that improved bus services have “taken thousands of cars off our roads.” This action directly contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transport, which is a key component of climate action.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure

  The article describes the completion of the “fifth phase” of the BRT scheme, including a “new crossing over the River Kennet.” This development of new, quality transport infrastructure is designed to be reliable, as the article states previous phases have “improved reliability of bus services.”

• Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all

  The project’s goal is to improve public transport and create a “new pedestrian and cycle bridge.” This expands access to sustainable transport options (buses, cycling, walking) for the community, making travel safer and more accessible for everyone.

• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into policies, strategies and planning

  The involvement of the “lead councillor for climate strategy and transport” and the stated outcome of taking “thousands of cars off our roads” demonstrate that climate change considerations are integrated into the town’s transport planning and strategy.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Improved Reliability of Bus Services

  The article explicitly states that “previous phases of the South Reading BRT have improved reliability of bus services.” This serves as a direct indicator of the quality and effectiveness of the new infrastructure (related to Target 9.1).

• Increased Public Transport Patronage

  The article notes that improved reliability “has led to higher patronage.” An increase in the number of people using public transport is a key indicator of a successful and accessible sustainable transport system (related to Target 11.2).

• Reduction in Private Car Use

  The statement that the project has “taken thousands of cars off our roads” is a direct, albeit qualitative, indicator of a modal shift from private vehicles to more sustainable transport, which measures progress in climate action (related to Target 13.2).

• Development of New Infrastructure

  The completion of the “new pedestrian and cycle bridge,” “extended bus lanes,” and “new bus stops” are tangible, physical indicators of investment in and expansion of sustainable transport infrastructure (related to Targets 9.1 and 11.2).

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: bbc.co.uk