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.

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.”

Here’s the funny thing about Uber in Reading: officially, it doesn’t exist here. The Reading Borough Council hasn’t given Uber a local licence, so technically the service isn’t allowed. And yet… open the app and you’ll almost always find a car just a few minutes away.

In fact, there are thought to be around 600 licensed drivers who could be working in or around Reading at any given time. If you’re here now, try it — check the app. You’ll see what I mean. I book rides this way all the time.

So how does that work if Uber isn’t licensed locally? It comes down to geography and the way licences operate. Drivers don’t have to live where they’re licensed. Many are registered in nearby areas like Slough, London or South Oxfordshire, and they’re free to pick up jobs in Reading. We even spoke to a few drivers who live here but are licensed in Southampton — as soon as they leave home to start their shift, they’re allowed to accept rides from anywhere. And that’s exactly how Reading stays on their map.

For passengers, it’s hard not to see this as a win. Reading has plenty of taxis and private hire firms, but Uber brings that familiar mix of convenience, clear pricing, and app-based ease that so many people now expect. Visitors are often surprised by how quickly they can get a ride here, despite the “unofficial” status.

Of course, not everyone is happy about it. Local taxi operators have long argued that it’s unfair and that the rules should be enforced to protect homegrown businesses. And there’s no denying it creates a bit of a grey area — riders get the benefit of Uber, but it’s happening outside of the council’s official system.

Still, the reality is simple: if you’re in Reading and need to get somewhere, Uber is just a tap away. Whether it’s a driver heading out from Maidenhead or one leaving their driveway in Reading with a Southampton licence, chances are someone will be ready to pick you up and get you where you need to go.

Additionally, it’s just a matter of time before Uber is allowed here.