The initial discounted rate for Reading All-Bus tickets has ended.

The tickets, more than 2.5 million of which have been sold since the scheme was introduced last year, enables passengers to travel all day using different bus companies including Reading Buses, Thames Valley Buses, Carousel Buses, and Thames Travel.

The scheme has saved passengers more than £4 million in the last 18 months, according to Reading Borough Council.

The price of a Reading All-Bus adult ticket is now £4 when purchased via a bus company app or paying on board the bus through tap-on/tap-off.

An adult paper ticket purchased on the bus with cash or card now costs £4.50.

The Reading All-Bus youth ticket now costs £3 using app or cash payment.

Group day tickets for up to four people now cost £5.50 off-peak and £10 peak-time.

Cllr John Ennis, lead councillor for climate strategy and transport, said: "The Reading All-Bus ticket provides great value for money for anyone travelling around greater Reading.

"Passengers have taken advantage of the special discounted rates and made big savings in the time Reading All-Bus has been in operation.

"The new fares are still lower than the previous all-day ticket, and we have kept prices down for young people and group fares.

"The investment in our excellent bus services through the Bus Service Improvement Plan means more passengers can enjoy even faster, more reliable and better-integrated bus services in Reading.

"Taking the bus takes traffic off our roads, reduces carbon emissions, improves air quality, and benefits the health of Reading residents."

The Reading All-Bus scheme was launched in March 2023, after the Council secured £26 million of funding from the Department for Transport for its Bus Service Improvement Plan.

Other services financed by the Bus Service Improvement Plan so far include tap-on/tap-off contactless payments; new community bus routes Buzz 9, Buzz 18, and Sunday park and ride services; phase five of the South Reading Bus Rapid Transit scheme; and 52 bus stop upgrades.

The Council has also recently introduced a discounted fare on Reading’s park and ride services to mark the relaunch of the Winnersh Park & Ride 500 service.

For a limited time, passengers pay just £1, including parking, for a return journey from Winnersh Triangle park and ride site to central Reading.

Buses run up to every 15 minutes, from Monday to Saturday.

The discounted price also applies to the Mereoak Park & Ride 600/650 services in south Reading, and a special rate is being offered on the Hospital Park & Ride 300.

For more information, visit: https://www.reading-buses.co.uk/ps1-return-fares-our-park-ride-services