Reading Buses Fares to Rise from 2nd June as Government Cuts Funding

From Sunday 2 June, fare adjustments will take effect across the Reading Buses network. Updated pricing details are outlined below.

These changes have been introduced in response to rising operational costs, including higher employer National Insurance contributions and changes in government support. For most passengers, the fare increase will be minimal. In many cases, customers can avoid the higher fares by choosing multi-journey, weekly, or season tickets.

Government Fare Cap

On routes where single fares exceed £3, prices will continue to be capped at £3 as part of the UK Government’s Help for Households initiative.

Changes to Reading All-Bus Tickets

Government funding that previously subsidised the Reading All-Bus day ticket ended in March. As a result of this and increasing costs, some All-Bus ticket prices have been raised.

Updated Fare Information

Single Fares within Reading
Single journey fares will increase by 10p.

simplyReading Day Tickets

• Adult: £4.50 via the app or contactless tap on, tap off; £5 if purchased from the driver
• Boost (for young people): £4, available both via the app and from the driver
• Group ticket (valid for up to 4 people):
  • £8 during off-peak hours (after 9.30am on weekdays, and all day on weekends and bank holidays)
  • £10 during peak hours (before 9.30am on weekdays)
  • Available on the app and from the driver

Reading All-Bus Tickets
Valid for travel on Reading Buses, Thames Valley Buses, Carousel Buses, and Thames Travel within the simplyReading zone.

• Adult: £4.90 via the app or tap on, tap off; £5.40 from the driver,
  (Currently, it costs £4 on the app and £4.50 on the bus)
• Young person (under 18): £4.20 (currently £3 if bought on the app)
• Group ticket: £8.80 off-peak / £10.80 peak