At long last Oxford is on the verge of delivering a sensible transport policy where buses are concerned. It has taken a change of legislation, but it now appears the city can achieve joint ticketing on its main services and a sensible timetable that avoids duplication and ensures a greater consistency of service.

This has been a long time coming. At least 20 years by our reckoning. Deregulation of the bus services in the 1980s has brought few benefits to the passengers. Rural services have either been closed or are only kept open through subsidy by the council taxpayer and there is a free-for-all in Oxford that leads to an over-supply on the most popular routes.

Joint ticketing is something we have been seeking for years.

At last, your ticket will be valid whichever bus you choose to travel home on.