Cut price bus travel is returning to Oxfordshire next month – and passengers can take advantage of the offer for even longer this year. Single bus fares will be capped at £1 every Sunday in December in the county – an improvement on last year’s offer, which only included the Sundays leading up to Christmas. The boost comes after bus passengers were disappointed by news in the budget - the £2 bus fare cap is being replaced by a new £3 cap until the end of 2025. Some city mayors have announced the £2 cap will remain in their regions but Oxford will not benefit.
Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for transport management, said: “This measure (the £1 Sunday fare) proved popular last year, with more people using the bus as a result. So we are delighted to be able to not just repeat it, but to expand it by including the Sunday after Christmas too". Luke Marion, managing director of Oxford Bus Group, said: “This is great news for passengers, the bus industry and the local economy. "The festive period is crucial for the visitor economy and retail sector and an expensive time of year for many, so this scheme will help everyone and encourage more people to travel sustainably for Christmas shopping or festive get togethers.” The 2023 offer led to an estimated 7.4 per cent increase in bus journeys and it is hoped for a similar result this year.