Smartcard
What is simplyBus?
simplyBus is our name for our smartcard family. Instead of buying paper tickets when you get on the bus in cash, you buy tickets online in advance and save.
Our simplyBus period ticket smartcards are split into area zones - so depending on where you live and travel, you can always find the right one for you. Our areas are; simplyReading, simplyNewbury & Thatcham, simplyWokingham & Bracknell, simplyBracknell and simplyNetwork. You can check your fares for each area here.
save money
Getting the best value fare is simple with a simplyBus card. For regular travellers you can buy tickets for 7, 30 or 90 days or a pass for the whole year and for occasional use you can get a 10-trip easysaver10 (or boostsaver 10 for 18s & under) ticket, and it’ll be ready to use within 24 hours when you top up online*. The easysaver and boostsaver products are only valid within the simplyReading area.
how do I use it?
Once you have your smartcard, simply get on the bus and tap on the reader - the machine will show a green light and beep. And that's it - just go and find your seat!
what happens when my pass runs out?
If you have a period ticket (e.g. 7 day) then after the days have 'run out' you can top it up online or by going to our bus shop in the Broad Street Mall, Reading. If you have bought your card online, you will already have had to create an account so you just need to login and top-up. It takes a couple of minutes and in most cases, your new product should be on your card the next day.*
If you bought your card at the bus shop, then you will need to register your card online. This takes a few minutes and then allows you to top up your card.
If you have a period pass (e.g 7 day), when you top-up your card (or first receive it) it will only start counting down from your first use - the only exception being annual passes which are usually hard-coded to a start date.
buy and top up online
Ready to begin your journey with us? Buy your simplyBus card
need help?
Call our friendly customer services team on 0118 959 4000 and they’ll help you decide what’s the best simplyBus card for you