Bus fares to be capped at £1 for Christmas

Sunday single bus fares in Oxfordshire will be capped at £1 from December until Christmas Day in 2023 and 2024

Bus fares in Oxfordshire will be capped at £1 in the run up to Christmas thanks to government funding.

Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) said Sunday, single bus fares would not exceed £1 throughout December until Christmas Day in 2023 and 2024.

The £1.9m funding is part of a plan to improve local bus services over the next two years.

Councillor Andrew Gant said it was "a great time to think about using the bus".

The funding comes on top of £12.7m previously secured in August 2022, following the council’s successful Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) application.

It would also offer financial support for the current Oxford bus network, including services affected by the Botley Road closure.

Routes intended to be enhanced or improved later this financial year include the X40 route between Oxford, Wallingford and Reading.

There is also a plan to provide new direct, faster buses between Carterton and Oxford.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council's cabinet member for transport management, said the funding showed "the importance that is placed on public transport" and the commitment to getting people back on to the buses."

He added: "It really is a great time to think about using the bus."

Roads minister Richard Holden said it was "fantastic for local residents, who will now be able to get to work, attend medical appointments and visit loved ones for less".