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£1 Bus Fares for Young People in Oxford? The Campaign Moves Forward…

Oxford Citizens’ campaign for more affordable bus travel for young people in Oxford is gathering momentum. This month, some members of the Citizens team (including one member of Oxford Unitarians) met with Luke Marion, Head of Oxford Bus Company, to talk about what could be done.

Members of the Oxford Citizens transport campaign team with Luke Marion, Head of Oxford Bus Company.

We were encouraged by Luke’s positive approach and his willingness to work with us. Oxford Bus Company currently offers £1 CityZone journeys to young people aged 18 and under with a Get Around Card, but the cards have to be purchased in advance and some families cannot afford the upfront cost. Luke supports extending this offer initially to 19-year-olds and, if feasible, eventually to 21-year-olds—and making the scheme available across all Oxford bus services. He will also work with us to make Get Around Cards easier and cheaper to obtain through schools and other partners.

There are some practical challenges to solve. For example, we talked about young people sometimes receiving bus vouchers when drivers run out of change. Luke cannot promise to abolish this, but will work to minimise their use.

He has made these commitments verbally, but there is plenty more to do. WE need to hold him to his word, and get the other bus companies to follow suit. Luke has said he will help bring the bus companies and Oxfordshire County Council together before the end of 2026. Some of us are also meeting Anneliese Dodds MP to discuss how we can bring the different decision-makers together.

Oxford Citizens is also planning a big assembly, where we hope to secure public commitments from those who can help shape the future of bus travel in Oxford. We need at least 12–15 people from the Chapel Society to attend! The venue holds 200 people, and we want to fill it to show decision-makers how much support there is for affordable bus travel for young people. The more of us who come, the more powerful our campaign will be.

We’re excited to see where this campaign goes next. If you would like to join us in this, or any of our other social justice campaigns, you are very welcome at our next Social Justice Team meeting, or speak to Holly or Charles. We meet on the first Monday of each month, from 12.30–1.30pm in the Warrington Room, Harris Manchester College, after the chapel service.

Holly and Charles, members of the Social Justice Team

ARCHIVE

Why Bus Fares Matter (July 2026)
Uniyouth (March 2026)
Two Campaigns, One Goal: A Fairer Oxford (March 2026)
Inspired by Stories (January 2026)