Free bus journeys across West Berkshire this Sunday to mark World Car Free Day
A free bus ride for all residents… that’s the promise from West Berkshire Council as it marks Sunday’s World Car Free Day.
The annual event aims to encourage people to ditch four-wheeled forms of transport and instead use alternatives.
And that includes the bus.
West Berkshire Council says its residents can travel for free on September 22, with a special one-off service on the X34 route between Newbury and Didcot.
It includes return travel, if residents ask for a free return ticket.
Stuart Gourley (Lib Dem, Newbury Clay Hill), executive member for environment and highways at West Berkshire Council, said the council was excited to support World Car Free Day by offering free transport.
“This initiative not only provides a great reason to leave the car at home but also aligns with our commitment to promoting environmentally-friendly transport options,” he said.
The offer sees West Berkshire Council working with operating companies Reading Buses, Thames Travel and Stagecoach.
Free bus travel will be available all day on eligible services, with concessionary bus passes still being accepted.
Only shuttle buses to the Newbury Show will be chargeable.
Local transport minister Simon Lightwood MP said: “Buses are an affordable and sustainable travel option and it’s fantastic to see that free bus travel will be offered across West Berkshire on World Car Free Day, helping passengers get around for less.
“Our Better Buses Bill will help West Berkshire Council continue transforming its bus network by giving passengers modern, clean and efficient services they can truly rely on.”
The free travel is available on the following Reading Buses routes: Jet Black 1, Lime 2/2a, Sky Blue 15 and 16, Yellow 26, and Royal Blue 33. Stagecoach South will run is 32 from Newbury to Basingstoke.
And the X34 between Newbury and Didcot will have a special timetable, leaving Didcot Parkway railway station at seven minutes past the hour between 8.07am and 4.07pm, arriving at Wharf Bus Station in Newbury at 8.57pm and then hourly through to 4.57pm.
The same journey in reverse leaves the Wharf at 9.28am and hourly through to 5.28pm, arriving at Didcot at 10.26am, hourly through to 6.26pm.
Full details are set out at www.westberks.gov.uk/transportchanges
West Berkshire Council said the free offer only applies to the listed buses, and for those who board in West Berkshire and are returning to or travelling to the borough.
Reading Buses will be running its N10 shuttle bus from Thatcham to Newbury Wharf and then the Newbury Showground, with stops en route.
Details are on its website www.reading-buses.co.uk/newbury-show
Tickets for this cost £5 or £6.50 for a return, or £2.50 and £4 for under 18s. A group ticket of up to four people is £15.50.
For visitors coming from Reading, Theale and Woolhampton, the same group ticket will be valid, while individual tickets on the simplyNetwork system cost £8.50 or £5.70 for under 18s.
Those taking dogs can buy a Doggy Rover Day Ticket for £1, which gives unlimited travel. On the way back, bus drivers won’t accept the excuse that the dog ate it.
