READING Borough Council has confirmed that a scheme unifying ticket use on buses in the greater Reading area is set to continue.
While the introductory discount for the all-day ticket is set to end soon, the council has confirmed that it will continue to offer a ticket valid on several bus companies’ services.
It will remain cheaper than the equivalent ticket which would have provided the same access before the introduction of the scheme last year.
It was instated last march following the securing of £26m of government funding for its Bus Service Improvement Plan, which also includes infrastructure and fleet upgrades in Reading.
The council has stated that around 2.7 million of the Reading All-Bus tickets have been sold since.
From Monday, September 2, the All-Bus ticket will cost £4 for an adult when using contactless or app payment, though paper tickets bought on board will cost £4.50.
The Council has also recently introduced a special discounted fare on Reading’s park and ride services to mark the relaunch of the Winnersh Park & Ride 500 service.
It will cost £1, including parking, for a return journey from Winnersh Triangle park and ride site to central Reading, for a limited time.
Cllr John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, said: “The Reading All-Bus ticket provides great value for money for anyone travelling around greater Reading.
“Passengers have taken advantage of the special discounted rates and made big savings in the time Reading All-Bus has been in operation.
“The new fares are still lower than the previous all-day ticket and we have kept prices down for young people and group fares.”
He explained: “The investment in our excellent bus services through the Bus Service Improvement Plan means more passengers can enjoy even faster, more reliable and better-integrated bus services in Reading.
“Taking the bus takes traffic off our roads, reduces carbon emissions, improves air quality and benefits the health of Reading residents.”
