University Travel Plan: One Year of Sustainable Progress
The University’s Travel Plan (2024–2029) was launched in July 2024 and has now been in active delivery for well over a year. The Plan sets out our commitment to supporting sustainable travel for staff, students, and visitors across all campuses, helping us play our part in tackling climate change and supporting the University’s wider Sustainability Strategy and ISO14001 Environmental Management System.
The current Plan was shaped by feedback from the 2024 Travel Survey, where staff and students shared how they travel to campus and what changes they wanted to see. That feedback directly influenced our five-year Action Plan – and now, one year on, we’re proud to share some of the progress made thanks to your input.
Cycling and Active Travel Improvements
You told us that cycle security and supporting facilities were a top priority. Here’s what we’ve delivered so far:
- New and upgraded secure cycle stores – The Library cycle store was upgraded in 2025, with two new secure shelters currently under construction at Whiteknights House and the SportsPark. Another will soon begin at Central Square (next to Minghella). All new shelters offer card-access entry, improved lighting, and CCTV coverage.
- Better cycle support – We’re continuing to sell Sold Secure Diamond-rated D-locks and cycle lights at cost. As well as offer free cycle tagging at cycling events, the Security Office, and via our online store.
- Cycle training and maintenance – Weekly Dr Bike sessions, run by Avanti Cycles every Wednesday during term time in Palmer Quad (12–2pm), remain very popular. Staff and students can also access free cycle training sessions – just email cycling@reading.ac.uk
Bus Services and Public Transport
You asked for more frequent, reliable, and direct bus services. In result, working with Reading Buses, we’ve delivered:
- The White Knight 20 – A bespoke express service launched in September 2024, linking Reading Station and the Whiteknights Campus in under 15 minutes. Running up to every 10 minutes during term time, it’s already proving a hit with students and staff.
- Free Park & Ride services – We’ve continued our free service from Mereoak for staff and students. Additionally, in October 2025 we launched a new free Park & Ride from Thames Valley Park.
- Staff Bus2Work scheme – Offering one-third off annual and 90-day bus passes for SimplyReading and SimplyNetwork zones, with plans to expand the offer further.
Electric Vehicles and Low-Emission Transport
You told us that EV charging needs to keep pace with demand, and we listened.
- New and upgraded EV chargers – Recent upgrades at the SportsPark and Greenlands Campus, plus four brand-new charge points at London Road Campus.
- New provider: Amp EV – We’ve switched from BP Pulse to Amp EV, offering a more reliable, user-friendly charging experience. You can download the Amp EV app to get started.
- EV Car Club – London Road now hosts three public EV bays. One is dedicated to a brand-new Co-Wheels electric car, providing a convenient, low-emission car share option for staff and students.
Walking, Safety and Accessibility
Safety and accessibility are key to making sustainable travel a genuine choice. Based on your feedback:
- Upper Redlands Road crossing – Delivered in collaboration with local stakeholders,
improving pedestrian and cycle safety near campus. - Access improvements – Ongoing assessments are identifying where pedestrian and cycle access can be made safer and more direct.
- Accessibility for adapted bikes – the new cycle shelters provide facilities to support disabled users that want to safely bring their adapted bikes onto campus.
Other Initiatives and Support
- Car sharing and rental options – Two Co-Wheels vehicles are available on Whiteknights Campus. As well as a new EV car now at London Road, as of November 2025.
- Easit network membership – Staff can access discounts for active travel and public transport retailers, plus a car share platform.
- Cycle hire and second-hand bikes – Available via RUSU and at cycling events throughout the year.
Keeping the Momentum Going
The Travel Plan is continually monitored and delivered by the Sustainability Team’s Sustainable Travel Officer. Progress is reviewed against targets and updated through regular engagement with Reading Buses, local authorities, and the University community.
Therefore, to make sure we keep improving, we’ll continue to run biennial Travel Surveys – and the next one launches this December.
Next Up: The 2025 Travel Survey
We all travel to the University, and now it’s your chance to shape how we do it in the future.
The 2025 Travel Survey is an opportunity to share how you travel, what’s working well, and what could be improved. Your feedback will directly shape future projects and investments in sustainable travel across our campuses.
Stay tuned for launch details next week! Don’t miss your chance to have your say (and enter our prize draw!).
