Oxford’s bus passengers are set to benefit from a major package of improvements this November, including enhanced services, faster journeys, and free Park & Ride travel as part of a new citywide transport initiative.
Beginning Sunday, 09 November, the changes will improve connectivity across Oxford, particularly to areas such as Cowley, Headington, Littlemore, Rose Hill, and Kidlington, alongside better links to the John Radcliffe and Churchill Hospitals.
The upgrades follow the implementation of a temporary congestion charge and form part of the Oxfordshire Bus Enhanced Partnership – a collaboration between Oxfordshire County Council and bus operators aimed at making public transport faster, more reliable, and more sustainable.
As part of a three-month trial, travel on Oxford’s Park & Ride network is now free when passengers show a valid parking ticket from any of the five sites: Pear Tree, Redbridge, Seacourt, Thornhill, and Oxford Parkway. A £2.50 ticket covers parking for up to 16 hours and includes bus travel for two adults and up to three children.
Read more: Oxford Park & Ride launches free travel services this week
From November 09, services will expand significantly:
- Direct links restored between Littlemore, Rose Hill, Iffley Road and Oxford Rail Station via services 3 and 3A.
- A new N3 night bus between the city centre and Rose Hill (Monday to Saturday).
- Enhanced orbital services including routes 100, 500, and 700, offering more evening and weekend buses.
- Service 700: every 20 minutes (weekdays), 30 minutes (evenings/weekends).
- Service 500: every 10 minutes on Saturdays.
- Service 100: extended to serve Cowley Road.
- A brand new 20 service, running every 40 minutes between Rose Hill and the John Radcliffe Hospital via Iffley Road, The Plain, and Gipsy Lane.
- Littlemore’s 5A will increase weekday frequency to every 20 minutes, with evening services doubling to every 30 minutes.
Luke Marion, Managing Director of Oxford Bus Company, said:
“These changes are part of a wider effort to make bus travel in Oxford faster, more reliable, and more accessible.
“The city has been struggling with congestion for a long time, and making bus travel a more attractive option is key to improving the situation.”
He added that early data shows improved traffic flow and bus journey times since the congestion charge’s introduction.
