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. 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!
