Oxford Bus Company has welcomed the continued extension of free Park & Ride bus travel across Oxford, describing the move as positive news for passengers travelling into the city.
The scheme, which first began as a trial in October, has now been extended again and will remain in place until at least the end of May. It forms part of a wider package of transport measures introduced alongside temporary congestion charging arrangements led by Oxfordshire County Council.
According to the operator, the policy is already delivering measurable benefits across the wider network. Passenger numbers across Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel services are around eight per cent higher than the same period last year.
A third of that increase has come through Park & Ride services, while routes connecting Oxford with surrounding towns including Abingdon, Didcot and Wallingford have also recorded strong growth.
Luke Marion, Managing Director of Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel, said: “This is great news for bus passengers across Oxfordshire.
“It continues to make bus travel accessible, sustainable and reliable. The reduction in congestion has sped up bus journey times and enabled us to reinvest these savings into improving other services in our network.
“This has meant more services on the 5A, 100 and 700, the introduction of new service 20, faster journeys in south Oxfordshire and additional links for Rose Hill, Littlemore and the Iffley Road.
“Free travel on Park & Ride services is working and we would like to see it confirmed for the duration of the temporary congestion charge to provide clarity for everyone, particularly for city centre business ahead of the key summer season.
“We look forward to the upcoming council cabinet meeting, when we expect a decision will be made on what happens beyond the end of May for both free Park & Ride travel and further travel benefits funded via the congestion charge.”
Read more: Free Oxford park and ride bus journeys extended until March 2026
Passengers using any of Oxford’s five Park & Ride sites can continue to claim free return bus travel by showing a valid parking ticket to the driver. The offer covers up to two adults and three children.
The free tickets are accepted on Oxford Bus Company, Thames Travel and Stagecoach Group services stopping at Park & Ride sites, not only designated Park & Ride buses.
Oxford’s Park & Ride locations include Redbridge Park and Ride, Seacourt Park and Ride, Thornhill Park and Ride, Pear Tree Park and Ride and Oxford Parkway Park and Ride, where parking costs £2.50 for up to 16 hours.
