Oxfordshire Council considers £4.2m investment in congestion charge benefits
Proposed plan includes extended free bus travel and infrastructure improvements
Oxfordshire County Council is set to discuss a £4.2 million investment plan related to the temporary congestion charge on 21st April.
The proposal includes extending free park and ride bus journeys in Oxford until the end of December 2026, as well as additional benefits for NHS and school staff.
The free park and ride bus travel initiative was initially introduced on 29th October as a supportive measure for the congestion charge, which is acting as a stopgap while Botley Road remains closed.
Beyond the extension of free bus travel, the potential investment may fund free weekday park and ride parking and bus travel for NHS and school staff, starting from 1st June 2026 for nine months.
Other initiatives include a hospital express park and ride service for 12 months beginning on 1st October 2026, enhancing active travel infrastructure with pedestrian crossings and secure cycle parking, and free bus travel for six months for participants of the council's Connect to Work programme for 2026-27.
Councillor Andrew Gant, County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, expressed optimism about the investment plan, noting the benefits of the temporary congestion charge which include faster travel, improved air quality, and reduced traffic.
Further updates on proposed initiatives will be provided following confirmation by the council's cabinet.