Due to a funding reduction from Reading Football Club and the rise in operational expenses, we regretfully find ourselves compelled to implement fare adjustments for our football services in the upcoming 2023/24 season.
These modifications will involve a £1 increase in most of our single fares and a £2 increase in our return fares. This adjustment will be applicable to Adult, Under 19, and concessionary fares.
Additionally, there will be an increase in our simplyMatchday products. The simplyMatchday Reading and simplyMatchday Network offerings will still include extended bus travel within Reading or our network, providing savings compared to on-the-day fares.
Concessionary pass holders in Bracknell Forest and Oxfordshire will continue to enjoy free journeys to the stadium without any alterations. Buses will remain free for trips toward the station, while a single ticket must be purchased for the return journey.
For a comprehensive overview of our new football fares, please refer to the list below:
Reading Station to the Stadium – F1 shuttle
single fare
return
adult
£3.50
£5.50
under-19s
£3.50
£5.50
On the bus fares – cash or contactless
Reading zone fares
If getting on the bus within the Reading zone, your fares are below.
single fare
return
adult
£5.50
£7.50
under-19s
£4.00
£5.50
Network zone fares
If you get on the bus outside of the Reading zone, you will need to pay these fares.
single fare
return
adult
£6.50
£8.50
under-19s
£4.50
£6
family – 1-2 adults & up to 3 children) Only on F51 – F54
£26
concessionary
£2.50 (F51 / F52 only)
£4.50
Single fares are not available on routes F51 – F54 with the exception of concessionary pass holders on routes F51 and F52.
park and ride (F2 Shinfield Park/F3 Mereoak p&r)
single
return
group ticket
adults
£5.50
£7.50
£11 (up to 5 people travelling together – max 3 adults)
under-19s
£4
£5.50
Group and return tickets come with parking at Mereoak Park and Ride (p&r) included. If you’re buying a single ticket or possess a concessionary pass, you can pay for parking directly on the bus.
These are only applicable within the boundaries of Oxfordshire and Bracknell Forest Council. As a result, your travel to the stadium is free, but the return journey requires payment.
The fares for concessionary pass holders are as follows:
The award-winning Windsor Great Park Illuminated returns for its fourth magical year, bringing a spectacular festive light trail to the enchanting woodland of Windsor Great Park. Running from 15 November 2024 to 4 January 2025, this much-loved event promises a refreshed experience with an all-new trail design and exciting new installations.
What’s New in 2024
This year’s trail introduces several never-before-seen attractions, including a floating installation debuting in the UK and impressive 8-metre stags exclusively crafted for the event. Visitors can also look forward to revamped favourites such as the Lasers, Field of Lights, and the Light Cathedral, now bigger and brighter than ever. A stunning new fountain show and additional photo opportunities ensure a memorable visit for all.
A Festive Wonderland
As you wander through the illuminated trail, you’ll encounter vibrant colours, festive surprises, and cozy rest stops. Warm up with mulled wine, hot chocolate, or toasted marshmallows by the firepit. Foodies can enjoy treats from vendors such as The Crepe Stop, Waffle Wands, Churros Hermanos, and more.
Event Details
Dates: 15 November 2024 – 4 January 2025 (closed Christmas Day)
Opening Hours: 4.30pm – 10.30pm (last entry 8.30pm; from 4.15pm after 29 November)
Ticket Prices: Starting at £18 for adults, £11 for children, and £51 for families (plus booking fees). Popular dates sell out fast, so advance booking is highly recommended.
How to Get There
By Car: Use postcode TW20 0UJ for navigation.
By Train: The nearest stations are Egham, Windsor Central, Windsor Riverside, Ascot, and Virginia Water. Taxis from these stations take approximately 15-20 minutes.
A World-Class Event
Windsor Great Park Illuminated is brought to life by IMG, the team behind iconic events like Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and Hampton Court Palace Festival, in collaboration with DEAG Entertainment AG and Christmas Garden Deutschland GmbH, creators of Europe’s leading light trails.
Don’t miss the chance to experience this magical winter adventure. Secure your tickets now at www.windsorilluminated.com.
Reading’s cafes, restaurants, and small businesses face further financial strain as the council raises fees for pavement café licences, extra bins, and various other permits. The Labour council at Reading Borough Council introduced these increases as part of a financial recovery plan to tackle significant budget pressures in the 2024/25 financial year.
The council’s finance officers have identified an estimated £5 million budget shortfall, prompting a strategy of increasing fees and charges for a range of council-provided services. This plan aims to bridge the gap and ensure funding for essential services across the borough.
For many small businesses and independent establishments, however, these hikes come at a difficult time, as they already face rising inflation, energy costs, and supply chain challenges. Local business owners worry that the increased fees could discourage outdoor seating, reducing the appeal and accessibility of pavement cafes that have revitalised Reading’s streets since the pandemic. Added costs for waste management and extra bins could also tighten margins for businesses already managing slim budgets.
Council representatives argue that the adjustments are necessary to address rising service demands and maintain clean, safe public spaces across Reading. However, business leaders are calling on the council to consider the impact on small enterprises, which are central to the town’s economy and community character.
As the new fees roll out, local business associations are urging the council to explore alternative strategies that would support smaller operators while still meeting budget goals.
Over 11 thousand of those aged over 80 in Reading are at risk of losing their Winter Fuel Payments due to the government’s cuts, the latest official statistics have revealed.
Reading Liberal Democrats, have called on the new government to “change course” in the face of these new statistics saying that ministers must “protect vulnerable pensioners” with thousands at risk of having to choose between heating and eating this winter.
Analysis of the new data shows that in Reading, over 11 thousand pensioners aged over 80 are not in receipt of pension credit and will lose their Winter Fuel Payment they were previously entitled to unless they receive other benefits.
All those aged over 80 were previously entitled to £300 each to help with their energy bills to stay warm during the winter months but many will now lose this money.
In total, last year those aged over 80 in Reading received £3.25 million in support with £7.6 million given out to all pensioners in the constituency. This figure will drastically fall this winter following the withdrawal of support by the government for the vast majority of pensioners.
In total, just over 40 thousand pensioners in Reading do not receive pension credit and are also at risk of losing support due to the government’s cuts.
Age UK has previously said that 2.5 million pensioners will “be in serious trouble” this winter due to the cutting of the payments. Reading Lib Dems called on the government to “reverse these proposals and protect vulnerable pensioners” this winter.
Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Reading Borough Council, James Moore said:
“Thousands of pensioners here in Reading are desperately worried about how they will make it through this winter. We are especially concerned about vulnerable older pensioners, and these figures are deeply worrying.
We have heard countless stories from those who now say they will have to choose between staying warm or putting food on the table as a result of this government’s decision.
Cutting these payments for thousands of my constituents, including many that are just barely getting by, is the completely wrong thing to be doing.
It is not too late for this new government to change course, reverse these proposals and protect vulnerable pensioners here in Reading this winter.”
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