BUS tickets will be capped at £2 per journey for a three-month period in a bid to get the nation out of their cars and back on to public transport.
The Government has announced more details of the £60 million scheme, which starts on New Year’s Day and runs until the end of March.
Single journeys will cost no more than £2 outside of London – that’s a 30p saving on Reading Buses SimplyReading fare, and £4 on a SimplyWokingham & Reading one-day ticket. A SimplyNetwork day ticket is £7.70.
There are more than 130 bus operators across the country taking part in the Get Around For £2 scheme, including Reading Buses. Its exceptions are dedicated school buses and the matchday services to the Select Car Leasing stadium.
Its chief executive, Robert Williams, said: “We are delighted to be able to bring this scheme to our network, complementing the great value fares we already have in place.
“It is a real opportunity for those who perhaps would not have previously considered the bus to give it a try, especially on longer distance routes like Green Line 702 to London where the savings are the largest.
“The £2 fare will be available to purchase in advance on our app, or directly from the driver.
“In certain circumstances during this promotion it may be that two single tickets provide better value than a return ticket, but depending on travel plans period tickets may still be the best choice.”
The Reading Buses, Thames Valley Buses, Green Line 702 and Newbury & District apps can be used to find things to do, plan journeys, buy tickets and check live bus times on the day.
Long distance routes, with the most significant reductions to fares within this offer include:
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Jet Black 1 between Reading and Newbury
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Lime 2 between Reading and Mortimer
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Leopard 3 between Reading and Wokingham
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Lion 4/X4 between Reading, Wokingham and Bracknell
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Pink 25 between Reading and Peppard Common
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Green Line 702 between Legoland, Windsor, Slough and London
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Green Line 703 between Bracknell, Legoland, Windsor, Slough and Heathrow T5
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Thames Valley Buses 194 between Bracknell and Camberley
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Thames Valley Buses 16 between Maidenhead and Windsor
Buses Minister Richard Holden said: “Brits love buses. They’re the most popular form of public transport in England, making up half of all journeys. So, we’re investing £60 million to cap single bus fares at £2 to help families, students and commuters and get people back on the bus.
“The scheme will also take two million car journeys off the road and it’s fantastic to see so many bus operators signing up.”
The news has been welcomed by Graham Vidler, chief executive of the Confederation of Passenger Transport, who said he was looking forward to seeing more passengers from the New Year.
“The £2 fare cap complements great value fares already in place that make taking the bus more attractive and environmentally friendly this winter,” he said.
“Travelling for £2 on the bus both helps customers facing rising cost challenges and try a new travel option to get to work, education, public services, leisure or see loved ones.”
There is a possibility the scheme might continue in some form after March: the Government is promising to work closely with bus operators and local authorities to consider future support.
Reading Borough Council has already been promised a share of a £2bn Bus Back Better fund. This will be used to help fund additional bus lanes and gates, and signal priority junctions, as well as actions on fares.
