Oxford SmartZone has announced a freeze on several of its most popular bus ticket prices, offering welcome reassurance to passengers travelling in and around the city.
The confirmation comes ahead of a small number of fare changes due to be introduced on Sunday 22 February. While some ticket prices will increase in line with inflation, key daily and weekly tickets will remain at their current rates.
Oxford SmartZone covers all Oxford Bus Company, Stagecoach and Thames Travel services within the city, as well as routes serving Wheatley, Kennington, Cumnor, Blackbird Leys, Kidlington and Yarnton.
The ticketing scheme allows passengers to board the first available bus regardless of operator, providing a flexible and convenient way to travel across Oxford.
Under the confirmed changes, the prices of adult one-day tickets (£5) and group one-day tickets (£10) will remain frozen when purchased through bus operator apps. In addition, fares for both adult and under-18 one-week tickets will also stay at current prices.
Some changes will affect other products. Any5Day multi-day tickets are being withdrawn, with passengers encouraged to purchase one-day tickets in chosen multiples through operator apps instead.
There will also be small increases to certain tickets, including 13-week passes and multi-journey tickets. Overall, the average increase across the SmartZone range remains in line with the prevailing rate of inflation.
The updated fares are intended to reflect the rising costs of operating the bus network, while continuing to offer value for money for passengers.
In a joint statement, the Oxford SmartZone operators said: “We are freezing ticket prices where we can and remain committed to delivering a great service at an affordable price for our customers.
“We have worked hard to minimise fare increases, ensuring that bus travel is accessible and convenient for passengers.
“The SmartZone has a fleet of zero-emission electric buses, with many of the routes now fully electric. This is improving air quality in the communities we serve.”
Passengers are advised to visit individual bus operator websites for full details of ticket options and prices.
