Bus+ Helping you save money on your journey to work
Monday, 03 June 2013
You could save up to £10 each month on bus travel
The University is pleased to introduce Bus+ as a new addition to the range of tax efficient benefits available to staff. Bus+ provides staff with subsidised bus travel for commuting to work.
Bus+ is a salary exchange scheme which enables you to save money through tax and National Insurance savings. In return for exchanging some of your salary, you will receive a Commuting Card, which you can then use to travel to and from work.
Benefits
- significant cost savings if you currently use Reading Buses to commute to work. You could save 25% or more on the cost of an annual bus pass
- in addition to commuting to work, you will be able to use your card on Reading Bus routes for other journeys at no additional cost
- by leaving the car at home, you are helping towards the University's Travel plan by: reducing pollution, reducing the traffic coming onto campus and reducing the pressure on limited parking.
The Bus+ Commuting Card costs £429 p.a. Your gross salary will be reduced by this amount over a 12 month period (£35.75 per month). Because your gross salary will be reduced, you will pay less tax and National Insurance, saving you money. A basic rate taxpayer could save over £10 per month. Your actual savings will depend upon the rate of tax you pay and whether you are a member of one of the University's pension schemes.
How to join Bus+
Please go to www.reading.ac.uk/benefitsplus for further information. You can join the scheme at any time throughout the year. Your application will be processed in the next available salary run. All you need to do is follow 3 simple steps:
Step 1: Read the Frequently Asked Questions and Terms & Conditions.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form specifying the bus route you mainly use for commuting to and from work.
Step 3: Send your completed Application Form to Human Resources.
You will then receive your Commuting Card from Reading Buses in the post.