Free bus travel will be available in the run up to Christmas across the Wokingham borough.

Wokingham Borough Council will make passenger’s journeys free of charge every Saturday from November 16 until December 21 to encourage residents to use public transport during the busy period.

All services provided by Reading Buses, Thames Valley Buses and Carousel Buses will implement the change.

Every Saturday during this period would be free, with certain services also made free on some Sundays.

On Sunday, November 24, the 4 and X4 service will be free for passengers travelling to the Wokingham Extravaganza.

On Sunday, December 1, the 13/14 and 850 Orange services will also be free for those visiting the Woodley Winter Carnival.

Half of all bus travel is now for leisure, eating out and shopping, according to an executive report outlining the decision.

The report says: “Free bus travel is offered at a time when the cost of living and household expenditure is highest.

“The proposal will allow residents to shop locally, supporting local businesses in villages, on high streets and in town centres.”

It will also reduce the number of cars on the roads during the busy period, which will contribute to the council’s Climate Emergency strategy.

It comes as use of buses as a form of transport is significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels.

While passenger numbers have recovered to over 80 per cent, the council says ‘there is still more work to do to see a full recovery’.

Funding secured from the government’s Bus Back Better was secured to implement the scheme, successfully introduced last year.

Wokingham Borough Council was awarded just over £400,000 last year, with the same amount awarded this year.

The council has used this funding on the reintroduction of the Winnersh Triangle Park and Ride.