A NEW campaign claims commuters can save more than £2,000 a year by switching from driving to getting the bus.
Led by Oxfordshire County Council – in partnership with the county’s leading bus companies – the campaign comes as fuel prices hit record highs.
Cost savings were based on an average car plus essential costs, suggesting full-time commuters who switch from car to bus can save up to £2,300 annually.
Hybrid workers who use the bus three days a week can make an annual saving of up to £1,700, the campaign says.
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Margaret Simpson, from Cumnor, explained why she uses the bus rather than driving.
She said: “Currently it isn’t economical to travel into Oxford by car. Buses are a very economical way for people to travel around the county for work and social reasons.
“Bus services are regular and help reduce congestion and pollution. I do drive a car but I’m increasingly using buses to travel.”
Jean Pierre de Rosnay, from Woodstock, uses a bus to commute to Oxford two or three times a week.
“I used to commute by car but switched to bus travel to save money on parking and fuel,” he said.
“It’s cheaper and more convenient and makes a bit of a difference to the environment.”
Last week, the county council’s cabinet approved its draft Enhanced Partnership (EP) document for submission to the Government.
The EP sets out plans by the council, bus operators and partners to help bring passenger levels back to pre-pandemic levels.
Bus passenger levels are currently running at between 75 and 80 per cent of what they were prior to Covid-19.
Measures that are set to be introduced to help get more people using buses include cheaper fares for people aged under 19, and new rural services.
Once the draft EP has been submitted and consulted upon, the final version will be submitted to the Government later this year to secure Bus Service Improvement Plan funding of £12.7 million.
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Andrew Gant, the county council’s cabinet member for highway management, said: “We are committed to ensuring that the bus is a reliable, affordable alternative to the car.
“That’s more important now than ever as we face this cost of living crisis.
“This council is doing everything in our power to make buses a success.
“We’re working with the operators to improve punctuality and to make public transport the most attractive and affordable option for getting around the county.”
The campaign is in partnership with Oxford Bus Company, Stagecoach and Thames Travel.
Earlier this year, Stagecoach defended its decision to scrap return tickets in Oxford, and replace them with all-day ones.
Bus users told the Oxford Mail that the change had led to an increase in fares.
Read more from this author
This story was written by Liam Rice, he joined the team in 2019 as a multimedia reporter.
Liam covers politics, travel and transport. He occasionally covers Oxford United.
Get in touch with him by emailing: Liam.rice@newsquest.co.uk
Follow him on Twitter @OxMailLiamRice
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