Your bus journey
Three simple stages from planning to arrival.
Before leaving
- Plan with the journey planner or Reading Buses app.
- Check the route, direction, boarding stop, and destination stop.
- Review service updates for diversions or closures.
- Arrive a few minutes early.
Getting on
- Wait where the driver can see you and signal clearly.
- Board at the front and state your destination if buying a ticket.
- Pay, tap, or scan, and keep the ticket.
- Sit down when possible and keep the aisle clear.
Getting off
- Follow the app, map, stop displays, or announcements.
- Press the stop button once, in good time.
- Wait for the bus to stop before moving when possible.
- Tap the exit reader if you tapped on.
Ways to pay
Choose whichever option is most convenient.
Contactless
Ask for the ticket you need, then tap your card on the reader.
Tap on, tap off
Tap when boarding and leaving with the same card or device for the best calculated fare.
Cash
Cash is accepted, but you need the correct change.
App or smartcard
Buy mobile tickets in the app or load a simplyBus smartcard before travel.
Concessionary pass
Place a valid pass on the reader when boarding.
Check before travelling: Fares and ticket offers can change. View current fares and tickets ↗.
Live information
Use the live times map ↗ or app to track arrivals. A countdown in minutes is live tracking; a clock time is scheduled.
Help & lost property
Call 0118 959 4000 with the route, date, time, direction, and item description. Items are normally kept for 30 days; perishables for 24 hours.
Reading Buses FAQs ↗