Oxfordshire County Council awarded millions of pounds for bus improvements

The council was one of 31 successful candidates to receive the "indicative allocation" for its Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), and aims to get more people out of their cars and using busses.

The £12.7m funding which has now been confirmed by the Department for Transport, plans to improve services in the county over the next three years, this will include cheaper fares for under-19s, new rural services, bus priority improvements across the county and proposed traffic filters to reduce journey times and support the introduction of new zero emission electric buses.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for highways management, said: “In the context of a significantly reduced funding allocation nationwide, with only 40 per cent of BSIPs receiving any money, £12.7m represents a significant boost for bus users in Oxfordshire. It is welcome confirmation from the government that our approach to prioritise public transport is the right one.

“Effective public transport is key to many of our priorities as a council. Combined with many other measures we are working on with our partners, this funding will put us on a positive path to making bus travel more attractive and environmentally friendly than ever before.

“Supporting cheaper travel for young people, including the introduction of a £1 flat fare within Oxford as well as reduced fares for under-19s countywide, is a priority. We want young people to adopt sustainable transport habits which will then stay with them throughout their lives.”