Oxford Bus Company has called for free Park & Ride bus travel to be made permanent for the duration of the city’s temporary congestion charge, citing strong early evidence that the scheme is easing congestion, improving bus reliability and supporting the local economy.
Bus travel across Oxford’s five Park & Ride sites was made free for an initial three-month trial following the introduction of the congestion charge on 29 October. The initiative, funded through the congestion charge scheme, was designed to encourage drivers to switch to public transport while travelling into the city.
The response from customers has been significant. During the first two months of the congestion charge, Oxford Bus Company recorded a 44.6 per cent increase in Park & Ride journeys. The free travel scheme has since been extended for a further two months, with passengers able to access free return bus travel to any Oxford destination by showing a valid Park & Ride parking ticket to the driver.
Luke Marion, Managing Director of Oxford Bus Company, said the early signs show the congestion charge is beginning to have a positive impact on traffic flow across the city.
“Oxford has suffered a chronic congestion problem for too long, however change has slowly but surely started to arrive,” he said. “The county council’s temporary congestion charge is a bold approach to tackle the issue head-on, and the early signs are encouraging.”
Mr Marion highlighted Abingdon Road as one of the clearest examples of improvement, noting that reduced traffic following the introduction of the charge has led to smoother and more reliable bus journeys.
He also stressed the importance of free Park & Ride in protecting Oxford’s city centre economy. “Times have been tough in recent years for local traders and businesses,” he said. “But free Park & Ride has supported city centre businesses, helping to ensure footfall is not negatively impacted by the congestion charge.”
Between 29 October and 3 January, Oxford Bus Company recorded 119,172 additional Park & Ride journeys compared with the same period last year, equating to an extra 10,833 passengers per week. Redbridge Park & Ride saw the largest increase, with usage rising by 63 per cent.
Mr Marion added that while the extension of free Park & Ride travel is welcome, longer-term clarity is now needed. “It’s fantastic that free Park & Ride travel will be continuing for a further two months, but the next step must be to make it permanent for the duration of the congestion charge.”
Alongside the Park & Ride scheme, wider service improvements were introduced in November, including increased services to Blackbird Leys, Cowley, Headington, Littlemore, Summertown and Kidlington, as well as restored direct links to Oxford railway station.
