THE town's bus network is working hard to provide travel at a reduced rate to Reading FC fans until the ends of the 2016/17 season.

Fans over the age of 65 carrying an older person's concessionary pass will be allowed to travel to and from the Madejski Stadium for just £2 for the last four home matches.

Reading Borough Council had to remove its subsidy for match day fares, citing 'budget pressures'.

The offer will start from this Saturday's home game against Leeds United (17.30ko).

Ray Booth, stadium manager, said: “Reading Buses will monitor travel patterns between now and the end of our season to gauge what sort of impact the removal of this subsidy has on the numbers of pass-holders travelling to games by bus.

“We will look to enter into new discussions with relevant bus companies on our fans’ behalf as part of the club’s continued commitment to affordable football.”

Reading Buses teamed up with the Royals to help the dozens of fans who were struggling to pay for fares.

Jake Osman, from Reading Buses added: “We are pleased to be working alongside Reading Football Club to ensure that as many fans as possible can get to the matches.

“It is great towork with the club to reach this solution and to strengthen our partnership.

“It is worth highlighting that this offer applies to customers travelling from West Berkshire, as well as applying to all concessionary pass holders getting on our buses at the stadium, as the validity of the pass is covered by the authority in which you get on the bus.”