READING BUSES says it served more than 6,000 free fares during a special Easter promotion.
West Berkshire Council offered the special travel deal over the four days of the Easter weekend, for people who started their journey on a Newbury & District route.
This was the first time that the service had run on Good Friday and Easter Monday, and 2,440 passengers took advantage of the scheme.
Robert Williams, Reading Buses’ chief executive officer, said: “We were delighted by the public reaction to the free travel offer for Easter. With over 6,000 people travelling for free, we can see the value in the council funding this to help tempt people out of their cars.
“Travelling by bus reduces the amount of congestion and improves air quality which is good for the local area and the planet.”
And West Berkshire Council were pleased that a high number of people took part in the scheme.
Its executive member for transport, Cllr Richard Somner, said: “This increase in footfall to the towns and businesses demonstrates our commitment to ensuring bus services continue to provide an environmentally friendly alternative to travel round the district.
“We look forward to continuing the offer of free travel weekends with our bus operators throughout the year.”
A similar scheme will run over the Platinum Jubilee weekend.
