Hopes that passengers would see some relief on travel costs following the government’s rail fare freeze have been dampened by a fresh round of bus fare increases in Reading.

Reading Buses has confirmed that several ticket prices will rise from Monday, citing higher day-to-day running costs. Adult single fares for journeys within the town will increase to £2.90 when purchased via the company’s mobile app, while passengers buying tickets directly from the driver will pay £3.

The operator is encouraging customers to consider multi-journey bundles, weekly passes or longer-term season tickets, which it says offer better value. Passengers are also being advised to use the app, where fares are typically cheaper than on-board purchases.

Young travellers will also see prices go up. Boost single tickets for under-18s will rise to £2.40 on the app and £2.50 when bought on the bus.

Meanwhile, the cost of the simplyReading adult day ticket will increase to £5 when purchased digitally, or £5.40 from the driver.

Despite the increases, Reading Buses said it will continue to honour the government-backed £3 cap on single fares under the Help for Households scheme.

A full breakdown of the revised fares is available on the company’s website.

A Ten Minute Rule Bill brought forward by Liberal Democrat Europe Spokesperson Al Pinkerton MP has passed in a “historic victory for the Liberal Democrats.” However, Reading Lib Dems have said they’re deeply disappointed in Reading’s Labour MPs for not supporting the Bill. 

The Bill, tabled by the Liberal Democrats in Parliament, aimed to pave the way for the UK to start negotiations with the EU on a new customs union. 

Estimates, reported in The Guardian, suggest that a UK-EU customs union could deliver more than £25 billion a year to the Exchequer by reducing red tape and unlocking the potential of British businesses.

The Liberal Democrats have argued that a new UK-EU customs union would lower trade barriers, cut red tape for Reading’s businesses, and put money back into residents’ pockets. 

The Bill passed by a majority of 1 vote. The vote breakdown was 100 in favour, 100 against – with the Deputy Speaker casting the deciding vote in favour. 

13 Labour backbenchers voted with the Liberal Democrats in favour of negotiating a customs union with the EU. Local Labour MPs Matt Rodda, Olivia Bailey and Yuan Yang abstained on the Bill.

Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said the vote sets a crucial Parliamentary precedent for movement on a deeper trading relationship with Europe.

Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Reading Borough Council, Councillor James Moore said: 

“It is deeply disappointing that our local MPs have failed to back a plan that would help people with the cost-of-living crisis locally.

“However, I am delighted to see the Liberal Democrats in Parliament win this vote. A closer relationship with Europe will boost our economy nationally and alleviate the cost of living crisis we’re seeing worsen. 

“For years, people in Reading have been hit hard by the cost-of-living crisis. Our local Labour MPs had a chance to fix that problem, but instead they sat on their hands. 

“Only the Liberal Democrats are fighting to tackle the issues our economy faces, while Labour just keep letting us down.”

Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey MP added: 

“This was a historic victory for the Liberal Democrats – winning a vote in Parliament to finally end the economic nightmare of the Conservatives’ broken Brexit deal.

“Across the country, people are crying out for real change and a solution to the cost-of-living crisis. A customs union with the EU is the single biggest step the government could take to grow our economy, put money back into people’s pockets and generate billions for our public services.

“The Prime Minister must now listen to Parliament and the public, drop his self-imposed red lines and finally go for proper growth through an ambitious trade deal with the EU.”

Labour MPs for Reading, Matt Rodda, Olivia Bailey and Yuan Yang voted against a Liberal Democrat amendment which would have expanded free bus travel for disabled people.

Reading Liberal Democrats say that our local Labour MPs have “failed disabled people” by making it harder for them to get fair and accessible transport. Liberal Democrat MP Tom Gordon’s amendment on the 11th September, sought to allow disabled bus pass holders to travel without time constraints, addressing concerns that existing limitations hinder access to employment, education, and essential services.

Despite significant cross-party support, the amendment was defeated by a vote of 300 to 69. Labour MPs from various regions, including Reading, Liverpool, Newcastle, Lambeth, Derby, and Amber Valley, voted against the proposal. Local Liberal Democrat groups have criticized these Labour MPs, accusing them of failing to support disabled constituents.

Reading Lib Dems say that Labour has “simply turned their back” on disabled people by voting against the amendment. The Liberal Democrats have also called on the Government to reverse their ‘bus tax’ by bringing the bus fare cap back down to £2 from £3.

Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Reading Borough Council, Councillor James Moore, said:

“The Labour Party has failed disabled people in our community.

“Instead of giving people in often difficult circumstances the opportunity to access the transport they need, Labour has turned its back on them.

“The Government keeps saying they want to help get more disabled people into work, but then won’t even help them get the public transport they need.

“By voting against giving greater access to transport for disabled people, this Labour government is failing to deliver the change people are crying out for.”