Following the success of the Mereoak Park and Ride scheme, University of Reading staff and students can now also use the Thames Valley Park (TVP) Park and Ride site free of charge when travelling to campus.
This new offer is possible thanks to our ongoing partnership with the Royal Berkshire Hospital (RBH) and Reading Buses, who run the 300 Park & Ride service.
How it works
Staff and students can park at Thames Valley Park and take the Reading Buses 300 Park & Ride to reach the University’s Reading campuses.
Parking and bus travel are both free – the University covers all costs.
How to use the Park and Ride
Travelling from TVP is quick and easy. Follow the steps below to get to campus for free.
Step 1: Parking at TVP
When you arrive at the TVP Park and Ride site:
- Press the Corp3 button on the parking machine.
- Enter the University code A0491 and press the green OK button.
- Enter your vehicle registration and press OK again.
- Print your ticket. You don’t need to display it, but please keep it for reference.
Please note: each ticket is valid for one day, so you’ll need to repeat the process each time you park.
Step 2: Travelling to Campus
After parking, take the Reading Buses 300 Park & Ride service. The route connects Thames Valley Park, Christchurch Green, and the Royal Berkshire Hospital, with frequent buses throughout the day (see the timetable here).
- Use the Christchurch Green stop for Whiteknights Campus.
- Use the Royal Berkshire Hospital stop for London Road Campus.
Show your University Campus Card to the driver to travel for free.
Why use the Park & Ride?
The Park & Ride service offers a convenient, sustainable, and low-cost way to travel to campus. It helps you save time, reduce travel costs, and cut your carbon footprint.
The expansion to include Thames Valley Park builds on the success of the Mereoak Park & Ride, which has seen strong use since its launch. Feedback from the 2024 Travel Survey showed high demand for greener, more affordable travel options and highlighted the need to reduce congestion near campus. The new TVP route supports that goal and provides another reliable travel option for those coming from the east.
By choosing the Park & Ride, you help:
- Reduce congestion around campus and nearby roads
- Lower emissions and improve local air quality
- Ease pressure on campus parking
- Support the University’s Sustainability and Net Zero commitments
We’re proud to continue working with Royal Berkshire Hospital and Reading Buses to make sustainable travel easier for everyone at the University.
For more information and FAQs, visit the Park and Ride section on our Sustainable Travel pages.
If you have feedback or questions about sustainable travel, please contact the Sustainability Team at sustainability@reading.ac.uk.
