Reading Buses

I’ve lived in Reading since 2007 and I’ve used the buses from the start. If you need to get almost anywhere in Reading then there’s a bus or buses that can get you there. The 17 bus route runs 24 hours and is useful if you’re a student as that route is close to the university and the student area of Reading. It’s a little hassle if you need to get across Reading via two or more routes as the buses don’t «sync» so you can find yourself waiting 10 minutes for a connecting bus. But that’s the only drawback I have. The buses are clean, arrive regularly and most of the bus stops now have a sign that shows the estimated arrival times which is useful. If you need to travel in Reading a lot, get yourself an all day ticket as it pays for itself after 3 trips.

I’ve been living in Reading since December ’09 and I have to send props to the Reading bus system. As an American, they have made it possible for me to survive here without needing a car. It’s that whole «wrong side of the road» thing that messes me up.
The buses are frequent, they are clean, and many of the lines run all night. The system is pretty simply laid out, with the various lines arranged like the spokes of a wheel, with the Reading rail station at the hub. The stops throughout the system are located closely enough together that you don’t have to walk far to get from one to the next, but they are spread out enough that hte bus doesn’t stop too often.
They recently adjusted their fare system, where prices are much easier to understand. Two one-​way trips are just a touch cheaper than an all day pass. There are also 7 day, 30 day and 90 day passes with graduated prices, but you really have to be riding at least three or four days a week for it to work out in your favor.
The people of Reading are fortunate to have it.