A free bus service for older and disabled people could be cut, as the council continues to try to balance its budget.

The council currently subsidises access pass holders (for disabled residents) and older person pass holders for the free use of ReadiBus.

Earlier this year, Reading Borough Council (RBC) consulted with disabled residents on several cuts for access pass holders, including an end to free ReadiBus services.

The council deferred their decision on whether to cut the service last month, to consult with older person pass holders, who could now also have the dial-a-ride bus service cut.

Peter Absolon, ReadiBus general manager, said: “I think there are some potential issues. For people to be able to use the main passes in Reading but not on ReadiBus, some may feel that is not fair.

“On the other hand, we understand that the council is under a lot of pressure.

"It is good they are consulting rather just making a decision. This doesn’t just affect people using ReadiBus.

“If it was to have an impact on people’s ability to travel that could also have an impact on people’s families and people currently using mainstream transport because there may become a time when they have to use ReadiBus.

“Would there be a greater call on carers and adult social care services? I think it actually involves the whole community.”

Older person pass holders had their free bus travel hours restricted in April 2017, but ReadiBus services were kept free.

If the new cuts are approved, a minimum return fare of £5 will apply for all service users.

A final decision on any future changes to both the access pass and older person’s pass schemes will be taken at a future meeting of the council’s policy committee

Councillor Tony Page, lead member for transport, said: “RBC has historically provided a more generous scheme with additional discretionary elements for both holders of the older person and disabled concessionary pass.

“The scale of the budget challenge we face however means we now have little option but to consider each and every discretionary service currently subsidised by the Council.

“We would encourage as many people as possible to take the time to pass us their feedback so that we can fully understand the impact of the proposal.”