OXFORD Bus Company is appealing for car drivers to make a New Year’s resolution to ease congestion and pollution.

The Make One Promise campaign encourages people to leave their car at home and take the bus once a week for six weeks – with a series of special offers on fares.

Congestion in the city causes delays for bus drivers.

In 2012 the City 5 service between Oxford railway station and Blackbird Leys took 72 minutes to complete a round trip but now it takes 88 minutes.

One bus can carry about 70 car drivers.

Oxford Bus Company managing director Phil Southall said: “Congestion and pollution has a significant negative impact on the economy and well-being of the community. We believe public transport can be at the heart of the solution to this growing issue and help ease congestion and improve air quality.

“Our Make One Promise appeal can make a difference and we hope people embrace it. It also helps keep this issue on the agenda locally.

“To help people give buses a try we’ve introduced some fantastic Make One Promise savings on 12-trip packages across our services for most of January.”

Savings are available on a number of the company’s ticketing options bought before January 26. For more on a variety of deals visit oxfordbus.co.uk