The University has a large number of offers for members of staff to help you choose more sustainable modes of travel. They are listed below, with links to the relevant internal/external offer. We are always eager to hear suggestions on further sustainable travel offers that will be of benefit to our staff - if you any suggestions, please let us know by emailing sustainability@reading.ac.uk.
Free cycle maintenance
Take advantage of our regular campus visits from Dr Bike, who provides free tips and basic maintenance to keep your bike in good working order. Dates and locations of Dr Bike visits available here.
Free cycle training
Free cycle training is available for staff and students every Wednesday during term time. All levels welcome; from new learners to advanced road safety. Please email sustainability@reading.ac.uk to book a session or for more information.
Borrow fix-it-yourself cycle maintenance equipment
Visit the Chaplaincy and Security Services, where you are able to access a toolbox and pump for self-maintenance.
Cycle2Work - Discounted bicycle purchase through salary sacrifice
Get yourself a brand new bicycle with up to 42% discount through the Cycle2Work scheme. Our scheme is run in partnership with Halfords, but you can select a bike from any participating supplier. See HR's Benefits Plus pages for details.
Second hand bike sale, bike hire and bike security labelling
The University runs a small number of bike sale and bike hire events throughout the academic year, in partnership with Reading Bicycle Kitchen can be useful places to find a used bicycle. Security Services also attend these events to label your bike and provide theft prevention advice. Check our social media pages, Cycling page and the RBK website for updates.
Secure cycle parking on campus
We have several secure cycle compounds dotted around Whiteknights campus. To gain entry to these all you need to do is contact Security Services and ask them to add access to the compounds onto your student campus card. You may also need your card pin for some of them - this can be found in the campus card portal once you log in.
Not ready to commit to buying a bike?
Try loaning a bike for a month with EASIT first. This offer includes fixed frame, electric and folding bikes - perfect to see if cycling to work is right for you! Sign-up/log in to EASIT to take advantage of this offer.
My Journey Wokingham Challenge
Any residents of Wokingham Borough Council or anyone who travels in and out of the Borough can get rewards for using active and sustainable travel. Find out more at My Journey Wokingham: Betterpoints. Plan your route using this cycle routes map.
Buses that run day and night!
The White Knight 20 express University service will take you directly from Whiteknights campus to Reading Town Centre, which is complimented by the Claret 21 service.
Bus-to-Work - Discounted annual and 90 day bus passes
University employees can get discounted travel with the purchase of annual or 90 day passes from Reading Buses. These passes can be used on all routes within the relevant fare zone as well as evenings and weekends. The cost of the bus pass will be taken from your salary each month in equal instalments. Please see HR's Benefits Plus pages for details.
simplyUNI - Discounts for bus travel when showing your University of Reading ID
Reading Buses also offer the opportunity to buy season tickets directly with them. These smartcards can be purchased per term, academic year or calendar year. Visit their ticket page here for more information.
PlusBus - discounts for combined rail and bus travel
When you buy a PlusBus ticket with your rail ticket, you add unlimited bus travel around the Reading urban area. A perfect money-saving option if you know you will be using the bus several times in a day. This link takes you to information specific to Reading, but remember that PlusBus discounts could also be available for buses to the station wherever you live.
Two free bus trips for new staff
New staff can try the bus for free - just email s.k.haylett@reading.ac.uk to take advantage of this offer.
Flixbus
Choose green coach travel with FlixBus, which offers tickets from just £2.99 to over 50 destinations. Find journeys from Reading University (Christchurch Green bus stop) to London, Bristol, Exeter and Plymouth, with free onboard Wi-Fi, charging points and comfortable seats on its top-rated ‘Euro 6’ coaches, reducing carbon emissions.
Rail season ticket loans
The University will fund the purchase of an annual season ticket to the maximum value of £7,500 by way of an interest-free loan. This is then paid back in 10 monthly instalments from your net salary. View HR’s pages for full details
15% off rail travel through the easit network
University staff can get a 15% discount on South Western Railway fares that travel to and from Reading Station via our easitREADING membership. Sign-up/log in to EASIT to take advantage of this offer.
Group travel discounts on GWR
People travelling in groups of 10 or more on the GWR network can benefit from savings of up to 26%.
Co-wheels Car Club
Car Clubs are an excellent initiative where members can hire a car by the hour. Staff can register to link a personal account with the Universities' business account, which allows the booking of any of the three vehicles across the University campus for business for short-term use. For more information visit our the Sustainable Driving page. To register, visit the Co-Wheels page.
Lift Sharing with Doing UoR Bit
The University has an exciting staff lift-share scheme provided via our Doing UoR Bit platform. The Lift Share tool connects you with other Doing #UoRBit users who would like to share their commute - either by car, public transport, cycling or walking.
There is an Emergency Lift Home policy in place, to ensure that you can get home should unforseen events prevent your normal lift share from taking place.
Free Park and Ride service from Mereoak
We have partnered with Reading Buses and Royal Berkshire NHS Trust to deliver this exciting new sustainable travel option for our staff. From Autumn 2022, staff can use the Hospital P&R 300 service from Mereoak (Junction 11 of the M4, RG7 1WJ).
How to take advantage of this fantastic new service:
- Simply show your University of Reading Campus Card to the bus driver
- Free parking at Mereoak is included, no permit needed
- Use the Christchurch Green stop for Whiteknights campus and the Royal Berkshire Hospital stop for the London Road campus
Further discounts and offers available through the easit network
- Taster tickets with Arriva buses
- Savings and FREE driving credit with Enterprise Car Club
- Discounts with Halfords on all in-store purchases (terms & conditions apply).