More than 6,200 votes have already been cast in this year’s Brand the Bus competition, as charities and good causes across Oxfordshire compete for a major promotional prize.
Run by Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel, the annual contest invites the public to support local organisations by voting for their favourite entry. Now in its eighth year, the competition has attracted 71 entrants, all hoping to secure a prize package valued at £100,000.
Voting remains open until Thursday 30 April, with organisers urging the public to make their voices heard in the final days. The top 10 entries will then be shortlisted and reviewed by a panel of experts next month, before an overall winner is selected.
Luke Marion, Managing Director of Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel, said: “Brand the Bus continues to be a much-loved competition for those taking part and the wider public.
“We’ve received a significant number of votes throughout April and there has been no sign of that slowing down.
“As we go into the final week of voting, it’s important to highlight that each and every vote could make a difference.
“There is a wide range of brilliant causes from Oxfordshire who are battling for one of the top 10 spots, so voting is the best thing you can do to support your favourite and give them the best possible chance of reaching the judging panel.
“Brand the Bus has a hugely positive impact for the winners and we’re so proud of what the competition continues to achieve.”
With support from Get Radio and Oxford City Football Club, the competition’s top prize includes a year-long full-wrap advertisement on an electric double-decker bus.
The winning organisation will also receive free onboard advertising across the Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel network, radio advertising, and recognition as Oxford City’s charity of choice for the 2026/27 season.
The winning charity will work with organisers to design the bus, which is expected to launch in the autumn. A runner-up prize package worth £5,000 will also be awarded, including digital advertising on buses.
Last year’s winner was One-Eighty, a children’s mental health charity, while Helen & Douglas House was named the first-ever runner-up.
Previous winners include Girlguiding Oxfordshire, Home-Start Oxfordshire, Blue Skye Thinking, Restore, SeeSaw and Oxford Hospitals Charity.
Residents are encouraged to vote before the deadline to support their chosen cause.
