The cost of living is causing difficulties for many families in our town. And, the cost of transport forms a large part of many household budgets. That is why I am delighted that the Labour Government and Labour-run Reading Borough Council are investing in transport and roads to help people save money when they travel.
Earlier this year, the Government froze rail fares for the first time in over thirty years. This means passengers won’t pay a penny more on season tickets, peak returns for commuters and off-peak returns between major cities. These measures are saving passengers hundreds of pounds off their season tickets.
This is in stark contrast to the last Government that raised fares by 60% between 2010 and 2024. A decision that hit working families in Reading particularly hard.
By freezing rail fares, the Government is keeping train travel affordable and encouraging people into our town centres, which creates the conditions for growth and investment and a stronger, more secure economy.
I’m pleased that since 2021 the Council has invested in a major programme of fixing potholes. Unlike Lib Dem controlled Oxfordshire where the roads are riddled with potholes. The £17m in investments made by Reading Borough Council has seen over 900 roads resurfaced.
The number of residential roads classified as in ‘good’ condition has risen from about a third to over two thirds, and there was a significant reduction in pothole reports from the public.
This good work is continuing and in 2025 alone 53 sections of major roads in Reading were resurfaced and there is more work to improve Reading’s roads planned this summer.
This work makes a significant difference, and in a recent study Reading was ranked 5th in the country as the area with the fewest potholes.
Reading Buses has continued to cap single fares at £3 as part of the UK Government’s on-going Help for Households scheme.
I strongly support the Council’s efforts to encourage people to use public transport, which will save residents money and will reduce congestion for those who need to drive. I’m pleased that it also protects the environment by reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality.
The Government and Reading Borough Council are also supporting investment in greener transport. Last month, the Council and Reading Buses secured £3m in Government funding to expand their electric bus fleet.
As more people think about getting electric vehicles, it’s important that there is accessible on-road charging. Reading Borough Council has announced a scheme to make this cheaper for people who live in terrace streets and I’m looking forward to people enrolling in the scheme and seeing more electric vehicles driving around the town.
I am pleased that both the Government and Reading Borough Council are clear on the importance of delivering reliable and affordable public transport services, and that they are taking action to support residents and to help achieve local growth.
By MP Matt Rodda
