Bus travellers in West Berkshire have an early Christmas present.
For bus journeys starting in West Berkshire on Saturdays December 11 and 18 will be completely FREE.
And in addition to the completely free travel for all bus journeys boarded in West Berkshire, Reading Buses say more people on buses means less congestion on the roads.
The scheme, a first of its kind in the Reading Buses network, has been developed in partnership with West Berkshire Council.
Said Reading Buses Chief Executive Officer Robert Williams: “This festive offer is intended to support local retailers and minimise traffic congestion by encouraging more people to use the bus. This replaces free parking which has been provided by West Berkshire Council in previous years.
“A significant proportion of town centre visitors travel by bus, and with our work to develop an Enhanced Partnership and tackle the Climate Emergency, changing the Council’s offer from free car parking to free bus travel makes absolute sense. And we believe this will be a significant boon for residents and retailers alike.
“On Saturdays December 11 and 18 all bus journeys starting within West Berkshire will therefore be free of charge. However, we do ask that existing ticket holders and concessionary pass holders still scan their pass as normal.
“All other free journeys will be logged by the driver to measure the success of the scheme. Customers won’t be issued with a ticket, but can just get on the bus and find a seat – as long as they are in West Berkshire, of course. And journeys can be made to anywhere on the route.
“But, if travelling cross-boundary, for example into Reading, the normal fare will need to be paid on the return journey that starts from outside West Berkshire.”
The free journey offer is valid on any Reading Buses and Newbury & District route within West Berkshire – as well as some other operator’s routes. The full list of valid routes can be found on Reading Buses website www.reading-buses.co.uk
Said Councillor Richard Somner, Executive Member for Transport at West Berkshire Council: “In line with our environmental objectives we’ve switched our usual Christmas incentive from free car parking to free bus journeys.
“Residents will still have an incentive to get in and support our town centres, while also reducing pollution and protecting the environment.
“We’re pleased to be working with transport companies to make this happen together for the benefit of local residents, retailers and, of course, the climate.”