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Why Bus Fares Matter: Listening to Young People – by Holly Templer

On Friday 3rd July I visited Greyfriars School for an exhibition organised by students as part of the Oxford Citizens campaign to make bus travel more affordable for young people.

The exhibition gave students the chance to share their own stories about how the cost of getting to school affects them and their families. It was also an opportunity to grow the campaign, bringing together people from different organisations who want to help make change happen. A BBC reporter came along to interview students and campaign members, so we’re hoping many more people across Oxford will hear about the campaign when the story is aired on local TV and radio on Monday.

What impressed me most was how the students took ownership of the morning. A group of Year 7 pupils greeted us at the entrance and showed us around the school. Throughout the exhibition students explained their displays, answered questions, and spoke passionately about why affordable bus travel matters. Several even agreed to let me film them talking about their experiences so that I could share their stories with others. Not all of them felt confident at first, but they spoke anyway—and afterwards several told me that taking part had increased their confidence.

One student’s words have stayed with me all day. She spoke about feeling guilty asking her parents for bus money when she knows how tight family finances are. No young person should have to carry that burden simply to get to school.

Those conversations also had an unexpected result. The stories I heard helped me explain the campaign to the Headteacher at Oxford Spires Academy, where I work. I’m delighted that our school has now agreed to get involved. Over the final couple of weeks of term we’ll be working with students to collect their stories and add their voices to the campaign. I also met the leader of a local youth club who is keen to get involved, and I’m looking forward to meeting with her soon.

One of the things I love most about community organising is that it starts by listening. When people tell their own stories, others begin to recognise that they aren’t facing these challenges alone. Those stories can bring together schools, faith communities, charities and local organisations to work for practical change.

The campaign is now looking to involve more schools and to meet with local councillors, MPs, university leaders and other decision-makers who can help make affordable bus travel a reality for young people across Oxford.

If you’d like to find out more or get involved in our social justice work, we’d love to see you at our next Social Justice Team meeting this Sunday, 5 July, from 12.30–1.30 pm. We meet monthly after the Sunday service and everyone is welcome.

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