Leave your car at home and enjoy FREE bus travel on 22 September
Travel for free on World Car Free Day with West Berkshire Council
West Berkshire Council is pleased to announce that, in celebration of World Car Free Day on Sunday 22 September, residents can travel for free on buses across West Berkshire. This initiative, developed in partnership with local bus operators, aims to encourage the community to explore sustainable transportation options while enjoying a day out without the need for a car.
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to:
- Visit friends and family.
- Explore local towns like Newbury, Basingstoke, Reading, or Didcot.
- Enjoy a special one-off service on the X34 route between Newbury and Didcot.
Cllr Stuart Gourley, Executive Member for Environment and Highways at West Berkshire Council, said:
"We're excited to support World Car Free Day again by offering free bus travel across the district.
"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."
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."
This initiative has been made possible through collaboration with Reading Buses, Thames Travel, and Stagecoach. Free bus travel will be available all day on eligible services, with concessionary bus passes still being accepted.
The following routes will be operating their usual Sunday timetables and will offer return travel back to West Berkshire - remember to ask the driver for a free return ticket:
Route | Operator | Destination |
Jet Black 1 | Reading Buses | Newbury to Reading |
Lime 2/2a | Reading Buses | Mortimer/Burghfield to Reading |
Sky Blue 15 | Reading Buses | Theale/Calcot to Reading |
Sky Blue 16 | Reading Buses | Purley on Thames to Reading |
Yellow 26 | Reading Buses | Calcot to Reading |
32 | Stagecoach South | Newbury to Basingstoke |
Royal Blue 33 | Reading Buses | Turnham's Farm to Reading |
In addition to the usual Sunday timetables, the X34 between Newbury and Didcot will be running a special one of off timetable which will be completely free (Newbury Show buses are not included in this event):
Stops |
|
|
|
|
Didcot Parkway Station | 0807 | 0907 |
At same time each hour until | 1607 |
Newbury, Vodafone roundabout | 0849 | 0949 | 1649 | |
Donnington, Donnington Square | 0853 | 0953 | 1653 | |
Newbury, Wharf Bus Station | 0857 | 0957 | 1657 | |
|
| |||
Newbury, Wharf Bus Station | 0928 | 1028 |
At same time each hour until | 1728 |
Donnington, Donnington Square | 0933 | 1033 | 1733 | |
Newbury, Vodafone Roundabout | 0938 | 1038 | 1738 | |
Didcot, Haydon Road | 1026 | 1126 | 1826 | |
Only the above services will be eligible for free bus travel and only applies for the those who board in West Berkshire and are returning to/travelling in West Berkshire.
The free bus travel offer has been made possible by funding from HM Government, given to West Berkshire Council to support bus service improvements through our Enhanced Partnership with local bus operators.
For more information and a full list of participating services, visit our transport page.
Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to experience free and eco-friendly travel on World Car Free Day!
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