PASSENGERS have been unwittingly paying fares when jumping on a bus in Wokingham – and they can claim a refund if they want to.
Since November 18, travel on Reading Buses services has been free of charge if the journey starts within the borough’s boundaries.
A similar scheme is operating in West Berkshire, but not in Reading, so people can catch the bus into the neighbouring town for free but, if their journey starts in Reading borough, they have to pay for their return trip.
Not everyone is aware of the offer, and it appears some drivers have been taking fares as a result.
Several people have complained on social media that they were asked for payment despite the offer.
And a Wokingham Today reader who knew about the offer was horrified when they saw a driver ask passengers ahead of her for a fare before letting them on their bus.
“The people who got on the bus before me paid. When I said I believe it’s free today the driver rolled his eyes and waved me on,” they told us.
Reading Buses confirmed that its drivers are aware of the deal, and promised to remind them of the offer, which runs on Saturdays in the run-up to Christmas.
A spokesperson said: “We are very pleased to be offering free travel on various weekend dates and in various locations in the run up to Christmas, in partnership with several local authorities in the area, to help support local residents and traders.
“All our drivers have been briefed through numerous internal communication methods, but if someone has forgotten, or someone thinks that they have been charged in error, they can contact our customer services who will verify their ticket details and issue a full refund.”
Cllr Paul Fishwick, executive member for active travel, transport and highways at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “We are pleased to have been working with Reading Buses to provide free bus travel on local bus services in Wokingham Borough in the lead up to Christmas.
“We have been assured by Reading Buses that all drivers have been briefed thoroughly on the offer. We are sorry to hear that some people have had difficulty accessing the free travel offer.
“If an error has occurred and a passenger has been mistakenly charged for travel, they can contact customer services at Reading Buses, who will verify their ticket details and issue a full refund.”
The £47,000 funding for the scheme comes from Wokingham Borough Council’s £400,000 grant from the Department for Transport for making improvements to buses.
Announcing the scheme, Cllr Fishwick said: “The free bus travel would help people who don’t drive, prefer not to drive or are struggling to afford to run their car at the moment, whether visiting friends and family, stocking up on festive gifts and treats or getting to and from work.”
The scheme ends on Saturday, December 23.
