Since 2nd September, Reading Buses adult, young person and peak group tickets were increased in prices, due to the increasing operating cost for Reading Buses. The adult ticket is now £4.50, young person day ticket is £3.00, and the peak group ticket is £10. With the very relevant Climate Change issue, taking public transport has been widely encouraged to reduce our carbon footprint etc. Moreover the bus is, for many, the only option of transportation in their everyday lives. However with the increased fare, will the bus still be a suitable choice for everyone?  

Recent research (Dec 2023) by the Reading Chronicle has shown that more than one in ten are living in poverty in Reading. Generally, Reading could be considered one of the most deprived towns in England. Although the fares ostensibly have increased by very little, even this small increase could be the difference between someone being able to travel to their work, and them being unemployed because they can no longer afford to take the bus to their work. With the increasing cost of living, many families across the town are financially struggling, the increased fare only adds to this problem.  

12.3% of the population of Reading is aged 10-19, with 33.7% aged 20-39. This means that approximately 46% of the population of Reading are either travelling to school, university or work every day. The increased prices may not be affordable for all students; some may be forced to find other transportation. This is unnecessary pressure on Reading’s young people. 

If a young person like myself does not have the option of taking the bus anymore because of its increased expense, what could they do? There are some solutions to this problem which are also environmentally friendly. Firstly, if your friend is being driven somewhere, why not carpool? Alternatively, why not walk to your destination? Grab a friend or grab your headphones, a mind-clearing walk may be the thing you have been missing out on!